Putnam County Commissioner Gary McElhenney speaks about the new coroner’s office being named after him during a special ceremony Monday afternoon in Eatonton.

EATONTON, Ga. – A new state-of-the-art fire station, EMS station and coroner’s office officially opened its doors Monday afternoon in Putnam County.

Separate ribbon-cutting ceremonies were held at the expanded fire headquarters, as well as the new coroner’s office, which was named after Gary McElhenney, McElhenney was elected coroner nine consecutive terms. He now serves on the Putnam County Board of Commissioners.

A large crowd attended both ceremonies, including family members of firefighters, EMS personnel and visitors from neighboring counties. Two of those who attended the special ceremonies included Baldwin County Fire Rescue Chief Victor Young and Greene County Manager Byron Lombard. Also attending the ceremony was Eatonton Mayor John Reid.

Putnam County Commission Chairman Bill Sharp welcomed everyone to the grand opening of the new Putnam County Fire Station No. 10 at 117 Sara Lee Drive in Eatonton.

“It is great to see everyone,” Sharp said. “Today, is a great pleasure and it’s a sense of profound gratitude that I want to welcome you for this momentous occasion. This is the grand opening for a brand new fire station, EMS facility, and coroner’s office.”

Sharp said Monday marked a significant milestone in the community towards safety and preparedness.

“This state-of-the-art facility stands as a beacon of hope, of readiness, and resilience,” Sharp said. “And it symbolizes our unwavering dedication to the well-being of every individual within our jurisdiction – Putnam County.”

Sharp also reflected a little about the unwavering dedication of Putnam County’s public safety personnel.

“You know, they are the true heroes among us,” Sharp said. “Their selfless commitment to safe-guarding our neighborhoods and protecting our families exemplifies the very essence of courage, and sacrifice. This new complex stands not only as a testament to the unwavering service, but also as a testament to our collective belief, and the importance of protecting and preserving life.”

The commission chairman also said the new facility represents a significant investment in the county’s future. It is equipped with the latest, most modern technology.

Sharp said the facility would serve as a vital hub for emergency responses for many years to come.

“That will ensure that we are well prepared to face any challenge that comes our way,” Sharp said. “With enhanced capabilities and strategic positioning, we can now respond to a myriad of emergencies swiftly, and effectively and minimizing risks and safeguarding the well-being of all of our residents.”

He added that the ribbon-cutting ceremony was a collaboration and perseverance and foresight.

“It is a testament to what we can achieve when we come together as a community,” Sharp said. “We are united in our pursuit of safety and security.”

He expressed his heartfelt appreciation to all of those who have contributed to the realization of this project.

“Let us remember that the true measure of our success lies not in the brick and mortar of this building, but in the lives we touch, and the work we protect every single day,” Sharp said. “May this fire station stand as a symbol of hope and reassurance to remind us that in times of crisis, we can depend on unwavering courage, and dedication of our brave firefighters.”

Later, Putnam County Fire Department Chief Thomas McClain addressed the crowd.

“When I was afforded the opportunity to come back here as fire chief, one of the projects that I was approached with was working on a replacement station for our Station No. 10 and EMS building,” McClain said.

The veteran fire chief, who served as fire chief in Henry County for many years before returning to his native Putnam County to head the county fire department, said he began to jot some things down on paper that he thought would best suit the county and last for many years to come.

“And working with Mr. Paul, this is what we came up with,” McClain said, referring to Putnam County Manager Paul Van Haute “This should handle our staffing needs for longer than I’m here. We were able to incorporate a building for the coroner’s office into the project to get him out of the back corner and give him his own space. And we’ve got a nice comfortable place for the guys to live and sleep in and work in. And we’re excited about the new building and being able to continue to provide service to the citizens of Putnam County.”

Gary McElhenney was as surprised as anyone could be, meanwhile, when the new sign at the coroner’s office was unveiled.

It’s now officially known as “The Gary McElhenney Coroner’s Office.”

It is located adjacent to the new Putnam County Fire Station No. 10 and directly behind the county government center.

“This is overwhelming folks; it really is,” McElhenney said. “I don’t know what to say. What an honor; what an honor. In my wildest dreams, I never thought anything like this would happen. I am so proud of this coroner’s office.”

He thanked all of those who played a part in naming the new coroner’s office after him.

McElhenney served as coroner of Putnam County longer than any other coroner ever has there.

“Putnam County residents deserve a good coroner’s office,” McElhenney said. “And I knew we needed one.”

He first ran for coroner in 1976 and again in 1980. He lost out both times.

But he never gave up.

“The third time I ran, I went in.” he recalled. “I knew this is where I needed to be. I can’t tell you how many times I came home in the middle of the night from a call and I’d go in my kids’ room and I’d touch them, hold them if I could, kiss them, and thank the Lord they were there. It’s a tough job. It really is a tough job.”