The Eatonton Fire Department recognized service, leadership, and decades of dedication during its annual awards night and banquet Dec. 12 at Barrel 118 in downtown Eatonton.
EFD Chief Jamey Williamson presented the department’s Firefighter of the Year Award to EFD Captain Matt Kitchens. He also recognized the retirements of EFD Deputy Chief Carl Buckner Sr. (2000-25) and Deputy Chief Joseph Davis (2001-25) with unique, raw-edge wood plaques presented to each.
Also attending were most of the City of Eatonton firefighters, Putnam County Fire Department Chief Thomas McClain, several of his assistant chiefs and firefighters, representatives from Putnam County Emergency Medical Services, and several retired firefighters and rescue squad members.
EFD Chief Jamey Williamson presented the department’s 2025 Firefighter of the Year Award to Captain Matt Kitchens, citing his leadership, commitment, and willingness to serve both the department and the community.
Kitchens, who officially joined the department in 2019, is one of EFD’s newer captains but has already earned the respect of fellow firefighters, according to Williamson. A volunteer firefighter, Kitchens responds to a high volume of calls, fills night shifts, and is known for mentoring newer members of the department.
“He’s very well thought of among his peers,” Williamson said. “The firefighters under him really look up to him. He helps the newer guys with training and anything they need. He’s a real asset to the department.”
Outside the fire service, Kitchens works in residential construction and remodeling, primarily in the Lake Oconee and Lake Sinclair areas.
Despite a demanding work schedule and raising two children, he continues to volunteer his time with EFD.
In addition to honoring Kitchens, the department recognized the retirements of Deputy Chief Carl Buckner Sr. and Deputy Chief Joseph “Joey” Davis, each of whom dedicated more than two decades of volunteer service to EFD.
Both men were presented with custom, raw-edge wood plaques from the department in appreciation of their service.
Buckner, who joined the department in 2000, was known for his aggressive firefighting presence and leadership during major incidents.
Williamson described him as someone who instinctively took charge when situations became critical.
“He loved being on the attack line and going in to fight fire,” the chief said. “His years of experience really showed, and he was very good at what he did.”
Davis, who began his service in 2001, was singled out by the chief for his expertise in apparatus operation and water supply. While he also fought fires, Davis often took on the vital role of pump operator, ensuring crews had reliable water throughout an incident.
“The most important person on a fire scene is the pump operator,” Williamson stated. “If you don’t have water, you can’t fight fire. Joey was top-notch at making sure everything worked together.”
Williamson said both men will be missed for their experience and leadership, but expressed gratitude for their service and happiness as they move into retirement and spend more time with family and friends.