[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1597]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATING CHAD BLACK ON RECEIVING THE NATHAN DEAL GOVERNOR'S AWARD 
                         FOR TRAUMA EXCELLENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DOUG COLLINS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 17, 2019

  Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a 
fellow Northeast Georgian and my dear friend, Mr. Chad Black, for his 
incredible work in revolutionizing trauma care services in Northeast 
Georgia.
  Chad Black spent over three decades working with the Hall County Fire 
Services, including 17 years in Air Medical Transport Services. After 
retiring from the Hall County Fire Services as Deputy Fire Chief in 
June 2016, Mr. Black was named Director of the Habersham County 
Emergency Services, where he oversees all fire, emergency medical 
services, and rescue for Habersham County. He also currently serves as 
Chairman of the Georgia Emergency Medical Services Association. Earlier 
this month, Mr. Black was appointed to the Georgia Firefighter 
Standards and Training Council. These honorable titles are the 
culmination of his 36 years of dedication to the fire and emergency 
services.
  When Georgia Senate Bill 60 passed, it recognized the need for trauma 
centers in every community. Upon passage, Mr. Black began serving as 
Chair of the EMS Region II Regional Trauma Advisory Committee where he 
worked with the Northeast Georgia Medical Center to help them become a 
Level II trauma center. Today, the center remains the only trauma 
center in Region II, serving more than 2,000 patients each year.
  To Mr. Black, trauma centers are a vital part of our community. 
Before these medical capabilities were established in Northeast 
Georgia, patients had to be airlifted to Atlanta to receive treatment. 
Thanks to Mr. Black's work, help is now closer than ever for the 
residents of Northeast Georgia.
  Last month, the Regional Trauma Advisory Committee recognized Chad 
for his tireless work on developing the trauma center--and for his 36 
years of service--by presenting him with the Nathan Deal Governor's 
Award for Trauma Excellence.
  On behalf of the people of Northeast Georgia, I join Chad's 
colleagues in congratulating him on this award. I truly cannot think of 
anyone more deserving. I want to thank my dear friend for his 
commitment to improving trauma services across the state of Georgia, 
and most importantly, for devoting nearly four decades to saving lives 
in our communities.

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