They say the best sermons are lived, not preached. Grand County Home Town Hero George Davis has been walking that walk for more than 27 years as a volunteer firefighter with the Hot Sulphur Springs/Parshall Fire Department.

In 1982, Davis first became a firefighter volunteer. By 1985, he was assistant fire chief until 2004, when he became chief. Having just stepped down from that important leadership position, he continues to volunteer as a firefighter, said current Fire Chief Brad White.

“As Chief, George helped bring our new headquarters station to reality. He doubled our membership and created more qualified community fire-fighters,” White said. “He put our brand new truck in service. We did not have a new truck in the last 22 years.

“George is so upbeat and positive,” White continued. “He is personally responsible for bringing most of our volunteers to the Hot Sulphur Spring/Parshall Fire Department. Someone once told me, ‘If you haven’t met George Davis, you are probably not a local yet.'”

In addition to operating his successful construction business, Maple Street Builders, George Davis has served on the Town of Hot Sulphur Springs Board as a town trustee and a term as mayor. He referees for the local soccer leagues, volunteers with Habitat for Humanity and still participates in fire-fighter training twice a month.

“George Davis is a perfect selection for the Grand County Home Town Hero Award,” said long-time resident Dawnie Baldo. “He is the kind of guy every community needs. It is wonderful this program exists to recognize these important citizens and their contributions.”

” The Grand County Home Town Hero program is a quarterly award co-sponsored by Sky-Hi Daily News and Forest and Lake Real Estate to recognize local First Responders who provide outstanding public service, either as a paid employee or as a community volunteer. To nominate a local hero for consideration, contact Dr. Penny Hamilton at drpenny1@earthlink.net or call 887-1881.