The Georgia Department of Transportation has presented awards to area employees.

DOT Commissioner Vance C. Smith Jr. recognized William Burrell and Jody Norton with an award for heroism in the line of duty.

In March, the two Towns County men were working a 12-hour shift monitoring Ga. 17 and Ga. 75 in Towns and White counties when they rescued a woman whose vehicle slid off the roadway at Unicoi Gap in White County.

The motorist, Forrest Nutting, wrote a letter saying the DOT “should be very proud of the professionalism (the) department displayed through Mr. Burrell and Mr. Norton during a most difficult situation.

“These men risked their lives clearing the very dangerous road, but also went beyond the call of duty to help me to safety,” she wrote.

Alisha Buice of Hall County received the 2010 Commissioner’s Achievement Award and the Commissioner’s Customer Service Award at this year’s District Employee Appreciation Day.

She also was selected to receive the Commissioner’s Commendation for excellence in customer service.

Michelle Brock of Hall County received the 2010 Commissioner’s Achievement Award.

Coy Robinson of White County has received the 2010 Commissioner’s Annual Preventative Maintenance Award.