Chamber salutes MPFC 'change agent'

Moultrie News 4/28/24

A firefighter's commitment to making a positive impact on his department was the focus of the Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce's April 17 First Responder of the Month Award ceremony, honoring Capt. Eddie Genthert.

During the formal presentation of the award at this month's Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce Luncheon at the Omar Shrine Temple, Town Fire Chief Mike Mixon Jr. heralded his colleague as an agent of change.

Mixon credited the versatile Genthert — in attendance with his family — for not only the "excellent" job he does in providing emergency response as a paramedic, but he also mentioned his input in combating fires.

In particular, the commanding officer noted that years ago Genthert proposed modifications in the Mount Pleasant Fire Department's response to structure fires in the interest of augmenting effectiveness and efficiency.

"Your organization needs people like him, needs a change agent to look at what you do well, and say, 'You know what? We can do it a little bit better,'" said Mixon.
The fire chief went on to relate Genthert's contributions in training fire department recruits in-house as part of the agency's push to build a Mount Pleasant culture that sets it apart from other fire squads.

On that note, Mixon highlighted the fire captain's diligence in instructing rookie first responders in fighting blazes, as well as handling medical response and hazardous materials.

"A lot of these people are going to be with us for 25 years. So, from day one he's set them up with that culture in Mount Pleasant. He's helping us build a stronger department and recruit some really fine individuals. So, Capt. Genthert, thank you for what you do for us. I hope we get a lot more out of you."