Fire held a graduation ceremony Sept. 20 in Council Chambers for the 19 members of Recruit Academy 28. Attendees included Councilmember Carissa Cohn-Johnson, Deputy Town Manager Russ Overton, Assistant Town Manager Dan Ault, and Deputy Town Attorney Nicholas Yates. It marked the end of an intensive seven-month academy for nine recruits, who earned all their required fire, rescue, hazardous materials, and rescue certifications. Ten of the recruits of this “hybrid” academy were hired as certified firefighters and underwent a rigorous short academy before going on shift in May. Graduates had their badges pinned and received their shift assignments at the celebration. The class presented its Extra Effort Award to firefighter Aaron Gallagher, and family and friends were invited to a reception following the event.

Fire is excited to announce its newest battalion chief and nine new captains. Unique to this year’s promotional process was that the employees test-drove these new roles in a provisional capacity while they and the department mutually gauged whether they were ready for the permanent position. Congratulations to Battalion Chief Chip Dimmick and Captains Nick Campbell, Drew Carter, AJ Collazo, Eric Deacon, Lucas Gentry, AJ Leighton, Daniel Speight, and James Williams.