Rescue Squad Member of the Year

A member of the Mountain Rest Rescue Squad, Lynn Wilbanks, was named Oconee County Emergency Services “Rescue Squad Member of the Year” for 2012. The award was presented during a banquet at Seneca’s Gignilliat Gym. Wilbanks has been a member of his community’s volunteer fire department since 1998, the rescue squad since 1991, and rescue squad chief for 16 years. Last year he responded to 76 of 155 First Responder calls in Mountain Rest. Wilbanks also played a role in repairs to the rescue squad building and the purchase of new equipment. An outstanding service award for dedication and service above and beyond the call of duty was given to Wayne Garland of Walhalla Rescue.