Jessica Smith, age 25, and a firefighter since age 18 as a senior at Tattnall County High School, was named as 2023 Firefighter of the Year for the Glennville Fire Department in a banquet held at The Farmhouse in Glennville the evening of Saturday, December 9, 2023.  Glennville Fire Chief Dale Barnard presented Smith with the plaque noting this honor.

Jessica commented that the best part of being a firefighter is knowing you are helping other people, usually when it is a tragic time in their lives, such as losing a home to a fire or extraction of an individual involved in an accident.  She also is loyal in attending the twice a month drills and is responsive to any additional training.

"Jessica Smith was selected based on a point system, which includes the regular attendance at our twice a month drills, response to fire calls, and community service.  She is always willing to do anything asked for the Fire Department and is simply good for our department and a role model for others with her positive attitude," said Fire Chief Barnard, who added that this is the second time that Jessica has earned the distinction as Firefighter of the Year.

Jessica has recently completed her bachelor's degree in Social Services through Southern New Hampshire University, graduating Summa Cum Laude.  She will next be pursuing her master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

"I like knowing that I can use my firefighting skills and knowledge to help others, and I feel that I will always want to be a part of the Glennville Fire Department," said Jessica.

She is the daughter of Daphnie Smith and Rodney Moore. When Jessica is not firefighting or studying, she enjoys the sports of hunting and fishing and being with her two dogs.