Barry Gibson was promoted as the new Fire Marshal for Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services during a recent ceremony held at the Cherokee County Administrative Offices. Gibson joined Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services in 2001 and graduated at the top of his recruit class. He has worked at multiple fire stations throughout the county and achieved the rank of sergeant in 2003. In 2007, Sgt. Gibson interviewed for a position in the fire marshal's office as fire inspector and worked in that capacity until 2010, when he was promoted to the rank of captain/deputy fire marshal. He is certified as a firefighter, EMT-I and fire inspector, and is nationally recognized as an NFPA-certified fire protection specialist.

Gibson replaces Chief Rick Ruh, who retired in April.

In other news, Thomas M. Brady with American Legion Post #45, located in Canton, honored several firefighters and staff members with Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services during the organization's annual Community Service Awards Banquet. Recognized at this year's banquet were: Cheri Collett, Battalion 1 Firefighter Award; Sgt. Phillip Carlisle, Battalion 2 Firefighter Award; Lt. Mike Jones, Battalion 3 Firefighter Award; Mark Cornelius, Volunteer Firefighter Award; Nate Sullivan, EMS Employee of the Year Award; Tamarin Gullett-Tyrrell, Fire Administration Award; Sgt. Babette Davis, Fire Prevention Award; and Capt. Frankie Martinez, Special Operations Award.