Pine Mountain Georgia Fire Department News

February 22, 2010
Firefighters and Equipment Used in Home Makeover

Pine Mountain firefighters and the department’s Polaris Ranger were used to assist at an “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” project in Pine Mountain Valley.

By the end of February, Pine Mountain Valley resident Jeremy Williams and his family will have a new home thanks to the television show “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.”

The very successful television program features families facing extreme difficulties, and few families face the difficulties currently challenging the Williams family.

After playing quarterback at Kendrick High School in Columbus, Williams was a star football player at the University of Memphis. Locally, he served as an assistant football coach at Harris County High School before accepting the position of Head Football Coach at Greenville High School.

Williams married his high school sweetheart, Jennifer, and they have two children, Josie, 8, and Jacob, 6.

Jacob was born with Spina Bifida. He is paralyzed from the waist down and confined to a wheelchair. Despite this, Jacob attends Greenville football games and cheers the Patriots from the sidelines.

While serving as Head Football Coach for the Greenville Patriots, Williams was diagnosed with ALS, otherwise known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

At present, there is no cure for Lou Gehrig’s disease which affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, and interferes with the brain’s ability to control muscle movement.

As the disease has progressed, Williams has trouble walking and his speech is slurred. But while his body suffers the ravages of the disease, his spirit continues to dominate.

It was Williams’ spirit that drove the Patriots to a perfect regular season this year.

The disease is weakening the body and Williams will inevitably require the use of a wheelchair.

The “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” television show producers coordinated with Palm Harbor Homes and parent company Nationwide Homes to build a new wheelchair- accessible, energy-efficient home for the Williams family.

Work on the Williams’ new home began on Sunday, Feb. 21, with a large number of volunteers ready and willing to help with the project.

Pine Mountain firefighter J.R. Owens and his wife, Samantha, assisted during the opening phase of the project. Firefighter and paramedic Jimmy Carver assisted during much of the project.

Firefighters from Northwest Harris and Pine Mountain Valley were also involved with the project. 

The Pine Mountain Fire Department’s Polaris Ranger was utilized by Harris County EMS in transporting people and providing care for minor injuries.

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