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On Tuesday, Troup County recognized a pair of employees for 30 years of service.

During the Troup County Board of Commissioners work session on Tuesday, Firefighter/EMT Kerry Wegienka and Magistrate Clerk of Courts Toya Wilson were celebrated for their three decades of service to the citizens of Troup County.

Wegienka has served with the Troup County Fire Department for 33 years. He volunteered for three years before becoming a paid member of the department for three decades starting on Oct. 31, 1994.

Wegienka was awarded Firefighter of the Year in 2022, the same year he earned his EMT Certification. The following year, he won the Bronze Medal of Valor for Life Safety at the annual Valor Awards for bravely responding to an emergency call while off duty in Coweta County. 

“Kerry’s unwavering commitment to the residents of Troup County is clear, as he consistently goes above and beyond in his duties,” Fire Chief Michael Strickland said.

Wegienka and his wife Elizabeth have five children and four grandchildren, with a fifth grandchild on the way in March 2025.

Wegienka officially retired from the Troup County Fire Department last week when he signed off from his last shift for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Wilson has been with the Magistrate Court and Troup County for 30 years.

“She’s smart. She’s capable. She was very well trained by a couple of local law firms. That training has bled over it into making my court a much better place in terms of getting things done. She knows the law, she knows lawyers, and she knows people,” said Magistrate Court Judge Vickie Sue McWaters. 

Wilson has been the Chief Clerk of Magistrate Court for 14 years. She was integral in helping to oversee the expansion of Magistrate Court services and the use and expansion of technology. 

“Toya’s knowledge of the court system and her willingness to work with many different people in many different departments always ensure that everything runs as smoothly as possible. The Magistrate Court and Troup County have benefitted from her knowledge, her spirit of cooperation, and public service,” McWaters said.

“Thirty years is a great accomplishment, and I am proud that she chose to work with Troup County, particularly the Magistrate Court. I subscribe to the old adage, “Happy clerk, happy work, ” so I sincerely hope that she stays happy here at the Magistrate Court,” McWaters said.

Other service-award recipients include:

• Tasha Hubbard-Davenport was recognized for 25 years of service with the Troup County Sheriff’s Office.
• Captain Nathan Taylor was recognized for 20 years of service with the Troup County Sheriff’s Office.
• Nutrition Supervisor Ricky Johnson and Lead Communications Officer Nina Hardy were recognized for 15 years of service.
• Detention Officer Penny Singleton was recognized for 10 years of service.
• Truck Driver Michael Caldaroni Jr., Deputy Clerk Taylor Godfrey and Airport Vegetation Control Supervisor Joseph Hedden were recognized for five years of service.