Page 12 - 2025 Augusta Annual Report

Awards & Recognitions

Emergency Communications Excellence

Augusta’s Emergency Communications Center earned national recognition
from OnStar as “Public Safety Telecommunications Week – 911 Center of
the Year,” highlighting excellence in emergency communications,
response performance, and service to the community.

At the state level, Richana Walker was named Communications Officer of
the Year by the Georgia Emergency Communications Conference (GECC),
reflecting professionalism, teamwork, and operational excellence within
the Center.

Augusta also maintained Emergency Fire Dispatch Accreditation and
achieved accreditation compliance levels for medical call-taking
standards through the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch
(IAED).

These distinctions demonstrate Augusta’s continued commitment to
nationally recognized best practices in emergency response and
performance standards.

2025 Employee of the Year – Alex Ferrand

The City of Augusta recognized Alex Ferrand, GIS Project Coordinator in
the Information Technology Department, as the 2025 Employee of the
Year.

Throughout the year, Alex demonstrated exceptional leadership, technical
expertise, and commitment to service. During a major 911 system
upgrade, he developed and implemented a new GIS application within 48
hours to support dispatch operations, ensuring uninterrupted emergency
response capabilities.

His innovation, reliability, and dedication reflect the strength of Augusta’s
workforce and the City’s commitment to operational excellence and public
safety.

2025 Firefighter of the Year - Sgt. Evan Scureman

Sgt. Evan Scureman was recognized as the 2025 Firefighter of the Year for his
leadership, dedication, and service. Since joining the Augusta Fire Department in
2012, he advanced to Sergeant on Aerial Truck 1, where he has served for over a
decade.

During Tropical Storm Helene, Sgt. Scureman demonstrated determination by
traveling on foot along Washington Road to report for duty when access was
limited, ensuring continued emergency response for the community. His actions
reflect the resilience of Augusta’s firefighters.

Sgt. Scureman was also named a Hometown Hero by the Masters Tournament Outreach
Pg. 12 Program and recognized at the Augusta National Hometown Heroes Reception.