Lt. John Hamilton, of Griffin Fire-Rescue, was named City of Griffin Employee of the Year for 2009 at Tuesday’s Griffin Board of Commissioners meeting.

Receiving this honor through a vote from city department heads — who nominated and later voted on candidates — is a recognition of Hamilton’s hard work on a recent project, said Griffin Fire-Rescue Chief Tommy Jones.

Hamilton, a 13-year veteran with Griffin Fire-Rescue, led the effort to improve the city’s Insurance Services Organization (ISO) rating from “three” to “two,” which will lead to lower insurance costs for home and business owners.

“He was the one who was instrumental in getting that done,” said Jones, adding that completing the two-year project is an indication of Hamilton’s professionalism.

“You do not have to ask him to do anything. He’s always asking for a project,” he said. “He’s very energetic, a tremendous asset to the whole city.”

And still, being named City of Griffin Employee of the Year came as a surprise to Hamilton.

“I didn’t expect it at all,” he said. “I’m just thankful.”

Asked to describe his work on the ISO project, Hamilton said the greatest challenge was making sure that equipment and training were organized. A specific rating requires a minimum number of personnel both on duty and at any fire scene.

Whatever the future holds for Hamilton, if it is up to him, it will be with Griffin Fire-Rescue.

“I hope I can continue to serve until I retire,” he said.