(Sept. 12, 2023) -- Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services Lt. Michael Sims has been recognized for his work with youth in the community.
The Boy Scouts of America Atlanta Area Council recognized Sims and 12 others with the Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award at a reception in Atlanta Sept. 7. The award recognizes outstanding service by an adult individual or by an organization for demonstrated involvement in the development and implementation of scouting opportunities for youth from rural or low-income urban backgrounds.
“The Boy Scouts have played an integral part of my life, teaching me leadership skills and how to give back to my community,” Sims said. “My involvement in the organization has shaped who I am today and provided me an opportunity to find a career that I love. Thank you to the Atlanta Area Council for the honor.”
Sims currently serves as the public information officer and public affairs specialist for Fire & Emergency Services. In addition to his work with the fire department, husband and father of two small children, Sims serves as the lead advisor for Explorer Post 469, Georgia Advocate for Fire & Emergency Services Exploring, Fire & EMS Chair for BSA Winterfest and Health & Safety Committee member for the Atlanta Area Council. He worked 14 summers at Woodruff Scout Reservation as the Director of Health & Safety in the camp’s health lodge.
Fire & Emergency Services Chief Eddie Robinson, a 2008 Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award recipient, nominated Sims for the award. He witnessed Sims as a young Fire Explorer immerse himself in the fire service and volunteerism, and develop into a dedicated firefighter with strong leadership skills.
“He came through the Fire Explorer program at 15 years old. He was riding a day or two a week in the fire house. He was a great Explorer, always there and all in,” Robinson said. “I’ve watched him grow to be the lead advisor in the Explorer program. I’ve seen his contributions to the Woodruff camp. I’ve seen him mentor youth having trouble and get them on the right track.
“He’s a great leader, great member of our organization, and he’s continuously helping us improve our organization. It is a well-deserved honor,” Robinson added.
Sims has been involved with scouting since 2000 when he joined Troop 230 as a youth. In 2004, he became a Fire Explorer through the BSA’s Learning for Life program, leading him to a career as a firefighter. Sims has worked his way up the ranks to lieutenant where he now works with recruiting and helping to tell the fire department’s story through traditional media and social media resources.
He is a recipient of the Order of the Arrow’s Vigil Honor and a member of the Class of 2023 for the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce’s Top 10 in 10 Young Professionals to Watch Award.
