Dive Team Presented $ 10,000
Members of the Harmony Lodge 405 presented the new Treutlen County Dive Team, which specializes in underwater tactical rescues, with a check for $10,000 during a Public Servant Appreciation Dinner at the Soperton Masonic Lodge on Tuesday, September 9.
Firefighters, law enforcement officers, paramedics, dispatchers, and others all gathered together as the Harmony Lodge 405 members hosted the county’s public servants for an appreciation meal to thank them for the work that they do within the County. “Everyone in here does things that no one else wants to have to do, and we appreciate it so much,” Harmony Lodge 405 Member Jack Born remarked.
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Soperton/ Treutlen County Fire Chief John Johnson served as a guest speaker at the event, as he recounted memories with several of the first responders and shared what it means to him to work in public service alongside the attendees.
“It doesn’t matter if you wear turnout gear, a badge, or a medic’s patch – or if you’re in the dispatch or 911 center – what matters is that we have each other’s backs,” he emphasized. “I public, that means rushing in together when others are rushing out. In private, that means carrying each other through the weight of what we’ve seen. That’s not just a working relationship – that’s family.”
After the keynote address, members of the Harmony Lodge 405 came together to draw a raffle for a gun; the members explained that over 500 raffle tickets had been sold, which brings the total amount donated to the Treutlen County Dive Team to $10,000.
“This is for anything you want to buy equipment- wise or things of that nature. We appreciate what you do and hope that you all will be safe. We hope that this will help you in everything that you have to do. I know I wouldn’t want to see some of the things you have to look for, and I appreciate what you do,” Born told the team.
The Treutlen County Underwater Tactical Unit made up entirely of volunteers, is a specialized dive team dedicated to serving their community through underwater search and rescue operations. With 14 certified divers and two new members in training, the team provides critical emergency support when time, coordination, and technical skills are essential.
Formed less than a year ago, the unit was established to meet a local need. Before its creation, the nearest dive team was in Cedar Crossing, Georgia. Joseph Glenn, Deputy EMA Director for Treutlen County, leads the effort and trains all new recruits personally. “Each individual has invested time and money to get this up and running,” Glenn said. “We’ve created a team of first responders ready to respond to underwater emergencies.”
Glenn has been diving since 2006 and teaching diving since 2010. His extensive background has shaped the rigorous standards now expected of all team members. “I want our team to be prepared to operate at the highest level,” he said. “I have active divers— they may not always have the time, but they have the dives.”
All members are required to hold at least an open water certification and then pursue additional credentials such as rescue diver and public safety diver. While the county funds advanced certifications, each diver pays for their initial training. “We’re working hard to obtain grants to help fund gear and training,” Glenn said.
Glenn’s connection to water runs deep. Raised near Lake Myers, he began water skiing at age four and enjoyed being on the water every chance he got. While he was attending Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) in Tifton, Georgia, a friend introduced him to scuba diving. Originally planning to become a marine biologist, Glenn changed course but never lost his passion for the water. He later led the Tift County Dive Team and tried to establish a similar program in Bulloch County before joining Treutlen County EMA.
The Treutlen County Dive Team has already responded to six calls this year. Their responsibilicontinued from page
ties include body recovery, boating accidents, and evidence retrieval. “Nine times out of ten, we’re called for a body recovery,” Glenn noted. The team is composed of deputies, EMA staff, firefighters, a paramedic, and an EMT.
Dive responses are carefully coordinated. When a call is received, leadership gathers details and decides whether to place the team on standby. Once standby is confirmed, dive members confirm availability and the team gears up at EMA headquarters before heading to the scene. Once on-site, a staging area is established, and a briefing is held to prepare divers for the mission.
The team’s reputation is growing. Neighboring counties such as Laurens, Dodge, Wheeler, and Toombs now recognize their capability and readiness.
“Each dive is significant to me,” Glenn said. “There was one mission that really showed how far we’ve come. Seeing the team work together efficiently and professionally proved we were an asset to the community. In even the most tragic situations, we do whatever we can to bring closure to families.”
To ensure the team is prepared for any environment, training is conducted in Florida springs, local dive spots, and the Florida Keys. Glenn holds his divers to high standards to be a team that can perform at its best.
Although funding has remained a challenge, this $10,000 donation from the Harmony Lodge will help to further the team’s ability to serve the community. “We’re here to help,” Glenn said. “I just wish more people knew that we’re here if they ever need us.”
LEARNING ABOUT THE VETERINARY FIELD – For the second year, Montgomery and Toombs County Professionals have worked with Montgomery County High School to encourage juniors and seniors to explore careers through a job internship program where students receive elective credit rather than earning a paycheck. The school shared their gratitude for Kilgore Animal Hospital of Vidalia, who is currently allowing Isabella Sistruck to intern at their office. Sistruck commented on her experience, saying, “I really enjoy working with Dr. Kilgore and her team. I get along well with the coworkers, and being here has taught me so much. It’s a place where I feel supported and valued every day.” (Shown) L to R: Isabella Sistruck, Dr. Merrick Kilgore.
VEHICLE RECOVERY – Members of the Treutlen County Dive Team work to recover a submerged vehicle during an operation at a local waterway. The team regularly trains in search-and-recovery techniques to remain ready for real-life emergency situations.
TRAINING ON LOCAL WATERWAYS – Members of the Treutlen County Dive Team conduct a raining exercise at a local waterway. The team practices search-andrecover techniques regularly to stay prepared for emergency callouts.
TREUTLEN COUNTY DIVE TEAM – The Treutlen County Dive Team poses with members of the Harmony Lodge 405 after the Lodge Members presented the Team with a check for $10,000. Front row (L to R) : Josh Cammack, Nathan Beck, Kevin Wheeler, Chris Brewer, Joseph Glenn, Carmen Graham, Haden Youmans, Mitchell Meeks, Floy McClaire, Berry Mayer Back row (L to R) : Eddie Vongsouvanh, Jamie Bridges, Mikey Milton, Justin McNure, Jack Borne, Joey Powell, James Griffin, John Webb, Homer Rivers, Roy Marcin, Derek PhillipsPhoto by Makaylee Randolph
PUBLIC SERVANT APPRECIATION DINNER – Harmony Lodge 405 of Soperton hosted firefighters, law enforcement officers, paramedics, dispatchers, and others for an appreciation dinner on Tuesday, September 9.Photo by Makaylee Randolph
