ATLANTA – The Georgia State Firefighters Association (GSFA) has recently recognized Tangela Rowe of the Valdosta Fire Department as GSFA Firefighter of the Year.

This recognition is the highest honor presented by the association. Rowe was presented with her award during the 2016 Georgia Fire Service Conference awards ceremony on August 13, 2016, in Augusta, Ga.

“We are pleased to continue the recognition of our fire service personal through our GSFA annual awards program,” said GSFA President Dean King. “The awards program has been identified as a prestigious honor amongst our fire service personal.”

Firefighter Rowe has been a dedicated and hard-working member of the Valdosta Fire Department for the past three years. Rowe’s duties include fire suppression, assisting with pre-incident planning and building inspections, executing orders from the assigned lieutenant of the station crews and maintaining upkeep of the station. As a relief driver she also fills in for the sergeant when necessary. Firefighter Rowe has taken the role of senior community educator for the Valdosta Fire Department currently working on implementing programs and providing education to the community and schools.

In addition, firefighter Rowe serves as a mentor to new recruits by partaking in an open house for new recruits. She is currently enrolled through Kaplan University to complete a Bachelors in fire science to accompany her Bachelors in Criminal Justice. She continues to go above and beyond by participating in job recruitment fairs on her off duty days. GSFA is proud to recognize Tangela Rowe as GSFA Firefighter of the Year.