Sons of American Revolution Recognize Longtime Public Servants

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The Four Rivers Sons of the American Revolution chapter have been working to recognize those who serve in outstanding ways in the community, and recently recognized a longtime firefighter and longtime paramedic for their dedication to Toombs County and the surrounding area during a small ceremony at the Toombs County Emergency Management Agency Center in Vidalia on Wednesday, September 10.

Longtime Firefighter and Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Responder C.M. Youmans was recognized for spending over 50 years of his life serving the public. Youmans has been a member of the Lyons Fire Department and Toombs County Emergency Management Agency since 1972; he became the Lyons Assistant Fire Chief in 1993 and a Toombs County Emergency Management Agency Rescue Specialist in 1995, totaling 52 years in the field.

Youmans was nominated for the award by an anonymous colleague, who wrote, “C.M. holds many other certifications in the fire and emergency management agency areas. I would say that C.M. was dedicated to both areas to the best of his ability. We used to kid him [and ask] if he slept in the fire truck, since he was always the first responder to the scene. He is one of the best.”

“When the bell went off, he was there — he was always there,” Toombs County EMA Director Lynn Moore remarked. “He has been fantastic. He is one of the best there has ever been. He’s not replaceable –- we will just one day put someone in his spot. He certainly deserves that award.”

The Chapter also recognized longtime Paramedic Laurie Holland for her service to the area. Holland has worked as a paramedic with Toombs-Montgomery EMS for almost twenty years, during which she has simultaneously served as a dedicated EMS educator, providing the foundation for many paramedics and EMT officials in the region who were starting their careers, and the Montgomery County Coroner, giving back and serving her hometown.

“Laurie has dedicated her life to serving others while providing compassionate care [to patients] in their most critical moments,” Toombs-Montgomery EMS Director Drew James emphasized. “She is exactly the paramedic that you want coming to you or your family in a time of need. She is the epitome of EMS who holds our profession, department, and its personnel to the highest standards.”

He continued, “Beyond serving the public, Laurie always goes above and beyond in supporting and helping her own –- from recognizing personal milestones to helping raise funds for those in need, Laurie’s heart and service to others goes far beyond the EMS uniform.”

Unfortunately, Holland was diagnosed with ALS on March 26, 2024, which led to her retirement. “The love and support that she has poured into others has been returned to her as she faces this disease head on,” Holland’s anonymous nomination wrote. “The disease has not only had an effect on Laurie and her family, but has been felt with her EMS brothers and sisters.”

Many members of Holland’s family and the Toombs- Montgomery EMS were present to witness this recognition. Holland spoke to all attendees, saying, “This is family, and it will always be family. It was my passion. I hope you know how much I love all of you, and I love to see you grow. Thank you.”

Both Youmans and Holland were given certificates and medals to be pinned on their official uniforms.

HALF A CENTURY OF SERVICE – Longtime Firefighter and Emergency Management Agency Member C.M. Youmans was recently recognized for serving the public for over 50 years. L to R: Four Rivers Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution Member Steve DeWeil, C.M. Youmans, wife Frances Youmans, Four Rivers Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution President Joel Kesser.Photo by Makaylee Randolph