Randy James may have retired from his career as a Rockdale County firefighter, but he’s still a hero.

James was recently recognized at the Rockdale County Board of Commissioners April meeting with a "Life Saving Award" for his heroic actions at the Highland Golf Course last fall.

He witnessed another golfer fall to the ground, who was not breathing. James instructed another golfer to call 911 and then he began to administer CPR. The victim made it due to James’ quick thinking.

James was surprised and honored by the award. He commended the professionalism of the firefighters and of National EMS staff in a letter that read in part, "...I was very proud to see the response time was excellent and the teams worked together as I remembered."

James became a firefighter for Conyers/Rockdale County in 1974 and retired in 2007. He also served as an EMT for 25 years. James comes from a family who was no stranger to public service, as his father, Earl, was a volunteer firefighter coordinator and his brother, Kerry, was a firefighter for the city of Conyers. James and his wife, Renee, live in Conyers and James is enjoying his retirement and spends time golfing and fishing.