Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John W. Oxendine presented awards Thursday recognizing Georgia fire personnel and citizens for outstanding service in fighting fires and saving lives at the annual “Life, Fire & Safety” Awards Luncheon, held at in Atlanta.

The program recognized individuals and organizations that excel in fire safety. Several are from Americus.

Contestants in the poster and essay contests were required to reflect this year’s theme, “Prevent Home Fires,” in the entries they submitted. 

First-place winners of the Fire Safety Poster Contest included Kailia Youngblood — 3rd Grade — Sarah Cobb Elementary School — Americus; Elise Reyes — 5th Grade — Sarah Cobb Elementary School — Americus.

Second-place winners included Zachary Calcutt — 3rd Grade — Sarah Cobb Elementary School — Americus.

Honorable mentions in the calendar category included Khiry Thornton (December) — 4th Grade — Sarah Cobb Elementary School — Americus; Sekeybria Daniels (June) — 4th Grade — Sarah Cobb Elementary School — Americus; Kailia Youngblood (October) — 3rd Grade — Sarah Cobb Elementary School — Americus; and Shadtavis Nesbitt (September) — 4th Grade — Sarah Cobb Elementary School — Americus.