Pruitt, 45, was born in Atlanta, but grew up in Suches and then Hiawasee. His father has been a family practitioner in Suches for nearly four decades. Pruitt lives in Athens with his wife, Carla. They have four children ages 4-25. He has devoted his life to saving others, but he also was a staff sergeant while serving with the U.S. Marine Corps during the first Persian Gulf War. In addition to his medical credentials, Pruitt holds a bachelor’s degree in political science he earned at the University of Georgia. He is an adjunct instructor at Athens Technical College in the EMS Technologies Program, with multiple instructor certifications from the American Heart Association and the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians. Pruitt’s family are members of Cornerstone Church in Athens, where the paramedic also volunteers. He also participates with UGA’s Office of Emergency Preparedness by teaching the Community Emergency Response Teams program to their volunteers.

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