Local EMS Shown Appreciation in Walhalla

A small crowd of deputies and emergency medical services personnel gathered at the Law Enforcement Center in Walhalla on Tuesday to recognize local first responders during EMS Appreciation Week.

Oconee County Sheriff Mike Crenshaw praised EMS workers for their crucial role in public safety and expressed gratitude for their dedication. Special recognitions included commendations related to the November 16 incident when Cpl. Lucas Watts was shot. Crenshaw highlighted the life-saving efforts of the EMS team that stabilized and transported Watts.

Capt. Ken Washington awarded Dr. Roshan Mathew and EMS supervisor Adam Potts for their contributions to the SWAT team, and Capt. Tommy Crompton honored four EMS workers—Supervisor Fred Medford and paramedics Lisa Honea, Clayton Peterson, and Lane Weems—with the Distinguished Public Service Award for their exemplary actions during the Watts incident, noting their teamwork and advanced medical care.