Page 40 - Winter 2021

In addition to being the director of transportation for Oconee County Schools, Duane Peterson is a medical responder with Oconee Fire Rescue. From left, EMA Coordinator Karla Hulsey, Peterson and Fire Chief Bruce Thaxton.
Nelson Foell
North Oconee High School healthcare science teacher Nelson Foell spends his volunteer hours at Station 4 in Dark Corner, which is near the border of Barrow County. He became interested in fire rescue when, as a small boy, he accompanied his father to meetings at a fire station in Pennsylvania. He’s been a volunteer for about 20 years.
Foell is a level two firefighter, which means that he is an evaluator who certifies trainees. He is also an EMT and a first responder. At NOHS, he teaches healthcare, laws, ethics, insurance and emergency medical response. At least 10 of his students are also volunteers.
In addition to daily emergencies, Oconee Fire Rescue assists in catastrophes, floods and tornados. They conduct fire safety assemblies at elementary schools and host a Halloween open house every year.
“We also helped bring closure to the families of two young men who drowned,” he says.
Foell also sees his fellow firefighters as members of his family. One Christmas Eve, volunteers helped him put an air hockey set together for his children.
“You can’t do any of this without the support of your family,” he says.
In his family, fire rescue is in the blood. His father-in-law was one of the first members of Oconee Fire Rescue. Both of Foell’s children are following in their father’s footsteps as well.
North Oconee High School healthcare science teacher Nelson Foell is also a firefighter and an EMT.
PAGE 38 | OCONEE THE MAGAZINE | WINTER 2021
Courtesy Nelson Foell
Courtesy Duane Peterson