HCES Quartermaster Jimmy Yon recognized as ‘Servant Leader, Mentor, and Friend’

Habersham County Emergency Services paused to recognize one of its own during the county board of commissioners meeting on Monday, April 15. Jimmy Yon has served Habersham County since 1972, beginning his career in the fire service at Tallulah Falls Fire Department. He served in multiple roles during his time there, from firefighter to fire chief. Yon also served as mayor of Tallulah Falls for six years. He first came to Habersham as a young man from Athens, attending Tallulah Falls School. After schooling he moved on to a job working for Georgia Power Co. within the hydro plant maintenance and operation departments. He was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and served as a radio operator stationed in Germany. After the war, he returned home to his family and his job with Georgia Power Co., retiring after 40 years with the company. He is married to Mrs. Martha Yon, who is also a public servant of Habersham County for many years including previous service as director of our 9-1-1 communications center. Jimmy and Martha have four children, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Even at 82 years old, Yon still serves as Habersham County Emergency Services quartermaster. His role is crucial to maintaining the county’s fleet of fire equipment, and anything else that may need a repair or upgrade. During Monday night’s Habersham County Board of Commissioners meeting, Yon was surprised with a fireman’s axe recognizing his 52 years and counting of service to the Habersham County community. The fireman’s axe is one of the earliest and most valuable firefighting tools. It has stood the test of time. No matter what new tools or equipment come along you will always find a fireman’s axe on the truck. “May this axe remind everyone who sees it what a life of courage, leadership, and commitment means,” said Habersham County Emergency Services Director/Chief Jeff Adams. “You are a true example of a servant leader, a mentor, and a friend. We thank you for everything you have done and continue to do.”