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Draft:Emily Thompson Alger

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Emily Thompson Alger (born Emily Anne Thompson, April 12, 1985) is a female firefighter.

Career and Achievements

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Alger became the first female firefighter hired by the Tifton/Tift County Fire Department on September 18, 2006.[1] In 2008, she became the first female firefighter from Tift County to be nationally ranked,[2] placing third in the nation at the SkillsUSA National Conference.

She currently serves as President of the Athens-Clarke County Firefighters Union, where she led efforts to pass the Firefighter’s Mediation Act, securing collective bargaining rights for firefighters. The Athens-Clarke County Fire Department became only the third in Georgia to achieve this level of representation under state law.[3][4] Her work has shaped public safety labor policy in Georgia and helped pave the way for improved working conditions across the state.[5]

Awards and Honors

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  • GAWP President’s Leadership Award (March 2025) – For exemplary leadership and service in the firefighting community.
  • Firefighter and EMT of the Year, Athens American Legion Post #20 (2021) – For outstanding service to Athens-Clarke and Oconee counties.
  • Hero Award, American Red Cross (May 2017) – For bravery and contributions to community safety.[6]
  • Community Safety Award, Athens Rotary Club (2015) – For professionalism and community service.
  • Children’s Fire Safety Recognition (October 2010) – For long-term dedication to youth fire education.
  • SkillsUSA National Ranking (2008) – 3rd place nationally in firefighting competition.[2]
  • Barrier-breaking Hire (2006) – First female firefighter in Tifton/Tift County history.[1]

Humanitarian and Community Work

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Alger has led fire safety education efforts throughout Georgia for over two decades. She regularly speaks at schools, safety expos, and public service events, with a focus on children’s fire prevention and outreach in underserved communities.

Early Life and Education

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Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, Alger moved with her family to Georgia in 1991. She is the daughter of Connie and Tommy Thompson, sister to James “Jamie” Thompson of Dallas, Texas, and half-sister to Tom Thaxton of Shreveport.

She graduated from Oconee County High School, earned an Associate degree in Fire Science from Moultrie Technical College, and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Safety Administration from Keiser University.

References

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