THOMASVILLE — A longtime Thomas County Emergency Medical Service employee and a retired Thomas County Sheriff’s Office investigator were recognized with certificates of appreciation by a local Veterans of Foreign Wars official at a recent Thomas County Commission meeting.

James Hart, an EMS emergency medical technician, was recognized by Lyndall Knight, commander of the local Allen Cook VFW Chapter 4995, for “exemplary service to humanity by administering emergency medical assistance.”

Hart’s supervisors recommended him for the recognition.

“The service he provides is the best it possibly can be, and he provides excellent medical help,” Knight said.

Hart has been employed by EMS for 37 years.

Bob Brettel, who retired recently from the sheriff’s office after 20 years of service, was recognized for “unyielding adherence to the highest ideals of law enforcement in maintaining, preserving and protecting the lawful rights of all citizens.”

In addition to being an investigator in the sheriff’s office Criminal Investigations Division, Brettel, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, was a Thomas County/Thomasville Narcotics/Vice Division agent and a Thomasville Police Department officer.

“He is going to be missed,” Knight said. “He was very thorough in his work.”

Knight said the recognitions were presented on behalf of local, Georgia and U.S. VFW organizations. VFW chapters nationwide are recognizing citizens for contributions to their respective communities.

Later this week, Knight will present a certificate to Michael A. Mann, a City of Thomasville Fire/Rescue employee, for “alertness, personal courage and ever-efficient guardianship of life and property.”