Milton proclaims Firefighter Recognition Day, Arbor Day and introduces new city arborist

The Milton City Council on Feb. 18 read proclamations honoring Milton firefighters and declaring Arbor Day for 2026.

Firefighter Recognition: Mayor Pro Tem read a proclamation recognizing Milton Fire Rescue’s service, noting the department’s 24/7 commitment and that many Milton firefighters are EMTs and paramedics capable of providing advanced life support. The proclamation aligns with statewide firefighter recognition day and the city’s gratitude for emergency personnel.

Arbor Day and Tree City USA: City staff announced Milton’s designation as a Tree City USA community and said the city recently achieved that recognition for the seventeenth consecutive year. Sandra Jewett (land development administrator) introduced Shannon Fitzgerald as the city’s new arborist; Fitzgerald started in November, holds a degree in entomology from the University of Georgia, and previously worked for the Georgia Environmental Protection Division and the Department of Agriculture and for Cherokee County as a county arborist. Staff invited residents to an Arbor Day planting at the Mark Law Arboretum at Bell Memorial Park on Friday at 10 a.m.

The proclamations were ceremonial recognitions; no council vote was required to place the proclamations on the record.