Phoebe security manager wins Georgia hospital hero award

ATLANTA — Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital Security Manager and Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Gary Rice was one of nine people statewide recognized Thursday as winners of the Georgia Hospital Association’s Georgia Hospital Heroes award.

Rice was recognized for his efforts in assisting the community in the recovery from two storms that ravaged the area in January.

Phoebe officials say that when the two high-wind natural disasters tore through Dougherty County and Southwest Georgia within a three-week period in January, Rice’s efforts were much of the reason the hospital was able to successfully help the community with its extensive recovery efforts.

Rice’s work on behalf of the hospital drew the attention of local government officials, who enlisted Rice for their own disaster response. While performing his regular duties at the hospital, Phoebe officials noted, Rice also helped manage Dougherty County’s recovery efforts as a special consultant. Thanks to his dedication, the area received much-needed assistance from the state government.

During each crisis, Phoebe officials said, Rice ensured that hospital operations continued to run smoothly so patients could continue to receive essential care. Throughout the day and night, he ensured the safety of patients and staff through constant communications to everyone involved with the relief efforts. Rice also performed new tasks and changed assignments as needed.

Despite fatigue from working with little sleep, Rice’s positive attitude never changed and his dedication to helping the community never wavered, hospital officials said. After work, he continued to help his co-workers by delivering firewood to those without power and assisting in their cleanup efforts, Phoebe officials said.

“We are honored to have Gary as part of our Phoebe Family. His commitment to serving others is unwavering, and his knowledge and expertise is invaluable,” Jeff Flowers, senior vice president of operations at Phoebe, said. “Gary does an exceptional job keeping our patients, families and staff safe, and is always willing to give an extra hand.

“These are just a few of the reasons he was nominated for this prestigious award.”

GHA President/CEO Earl Rogers said Rice helped make a disastrous situation easier to bear for many people.

“Dealing with the devastating effects of storms is something communities hope they never have to experience,” Rogers said. “Thanks to the heroic efforts of Gary Rice, the Dougherty County and Albany area communities have been able to face recovery efforts a little easier. He is a most-deserving recipient of this award.”

The GHA Hospital Heroes awards are presented annually to individuals who display outstanding service to the health care field.