Chief Brian Sikes, City of Vidalia Fire Department; Chief Johnny Moser, Toombs County Rural Fire Department; and Volunteer Firefighter, Toombs County, Bobby Arnold

When lives matter, there should be no geographical boundaries, and that’s exactly why the City of Vidalia and the Vidalia Fire Department attended the August meeting of the Toombs County Commissioners.

Vidalia City Manager Josh Beck said that due to unforeseen issues, the city was limited on the number of fire trucks they had at their disposal, but the county came through.

“Not only did you allow us to use one of  your trucks for quite some time, but County Manager John Jones always answers my calls and gives me great advice,” Beck said. “Relationships matter to me: they matter personally and professionally but not just to me, but on behalf of the City of Vidalia, Mayor Roper, and the Vidalia City Council.”

In a special presentation, Vidalia Fire Chief Brian Sikes presented the Rural Fire Department with an ax – but not just any ordinary tool!

“To a firefighter, the axe has special meaning,” Chief Sikes said. “It was the first tool firefighters had. It symbolizes bravery and honor. It also shows that doors can by opened and I believe that when our city and our county work together, many doors can and well be opened and be better.”

In addition to Chief Sikes presenting an axe to Toombs County Rural Fire Department Chief Johnny Moser, City Manager Beck presented one to the Toombs County Commissioners. Each axe bears the unique emblem of the department to whom it was presented.