TIFTON — The Exchange Club of Tifton presented the 2019 Firefighter of the Year Award to Captain Bryan Altman with the Tifton Fire Department at a recent club meeting, according to a press release.

Regenia Wells, public safety chairperson for the club, introduced Battalion chief George Cirilo to make the presentation.

Altman has been a firefighter for almost 16 years. He is the training captain for the Tifton Fire Department. In this role, he coordinates and trains new recruits and city volunteers, as well as coordinates training for the full-time department members.

Altman has a lot of dedication for the job and has sacrificed time away from his family to make sure the job is done, said Cirilo in the release. He always comes when the tones drop, day or night, whether on or off duty.

Cirilo said he has greatly improved the department’s training program, making sure everyone is always up to date on training. He sets goals for himself, as well as the department, and works hard to make sure those goals are realized. Cirilo added that Altman is very loyal to the department.

Altman thanked the club for the recognition. He said he loves being a firefighter, loves being with the guys, as they are his second family. “There is nothing else I would rather do than help people,” said Altman. “As training captain, I do everything I can to make sure every firefighter comes back after a call. It is a big responsibility, but I love it.”

Altman is married to Keri and they have three boys.