Morgan County Fire Rescue and the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office participated in an escort for a special young man heading to Monticello for a special event at MKR Monticello Kart Racing on Aug. 3.
Through an effort coordinated by the Georgia Sheriff’s Association, Morgan County Fire Rescue, Morgan County Sheriff’s Office, National EMS, Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, and Jasper County Fire provided an escort for Justin Gilstrap.
Justin was attacked by three pit bulldogs back in January of 2023 while riding his bike home after playing soccer with friends in Appling just outside of Augusta. The three dogs pulled Justin off his bicycle into a roadside ditch and maimed him severely in the attack. His cousin, still playing soccer close by, heard Justin’s screams and called 911.
Despite horrific trauma to his head, face, and body, Justin survived the attack. Now, after multiple surgeries, Justin can begin living again. Monticello Kart Racing set aside a special day for Justin to come and visit and have fun being a kid again.
According to Morgan County Fire Chief Garret Smith, Morgan County Fire Rescue, Morgan County Sheriff’s Deputies, and National EMS posted on the bridge at I-20 and Hwy 83 (Exit 113) to greet Justin and his family and escort them to Shady Dale, where Jasper County would pick them up and take them into Monticello and the track.
“We pulled off Hwy 83 at the Exxon Gas Station and had a chance to meet Justin,” Smith said. “Having been on many calls involving dog attacks, I can tell you that one thing that has always been in common is the lifeless look in the child’s eyes after the attack. Justin’s mother, Ericka, shared the pictures of Justin on the night of the attack with us, and that same lifeless look was there.
"However, on Saturday, I got to meet a young man with a sparkle in his eyes and a smile on his face. Days like Saturday are why firefighters, law enforcement officers, and emergency medical workers do what they do. It’s the opportunity to share in another chance.”
Chief Smith said his department just recently had a new hat made to issue to departmental staff and volunteers.
“To this point, none have been issued to the department staff,” Smith said. “However, the first one to be issued went to Justin Saturday, and he was made a member of the department. He proudly wore his Morgan County Fire Rescue hat Monday, the first day of school.”