The Camden County Board of Commissioners is pleased to announce that the eight members of Recruit Classes 2021-07 and 2021-09 have completed their Basic Firefighter requirements. Justin Beverley, Ethan Hancock, Ryan Pecott, Lucas Peralta, Britny Pickering, and Andrew Turner were recognized at a graduation ceremony held earlier this week along with Alyssa Diaz and Adain Fitzpatrick of Kingsland Fire Rescue.
In his keynote address, retired Kingsland Fire Rescue Captain Mikel Weaver encouraged the new firefighters to continually reflect on their accountability and training. He also stressed the importance of a good attitude and positive spirit as they work their dangerous jobs. Dozens of colleagues, family, and friends listened as similar sentiments and instructions were expressed by Operations Chief Lisa Boyett and Training Captain Jeffrey Jones as they welcomed and honored the new graduates throughout the ceremony.
“We continue to be thankful to the Board of Commissioners for their ongoing support of this program and Camden County Fire Rescue,” said CCFR Chief Terry Smith. “These new firefighters are equipped to be valuable contributors to public safety thanks to assistance from our partners at Kingsland Fire Rescue and St. Marys Fire Department.”
Members of Recruit Classes 2021-07 and 2021-09 selected Justin Beverly as their Class Speaker. Andrew Turner was honored for having the highest class average in Class 2021-07 and Luca Peralta received the honor for Class 2021-09. In Class 2021-07, Alyssa Diaz was recognized as Most Improved and Britny Pickering received this recognition for Class 2021-09.
The twelve-week program included both classroom and practical skills training to prepare firefighter recruits for earning state certification. Instructors recognized during the graduation ceremony include: Captain Charles Roney, Captain Keith Brown, Captain Travis Swann, Lieutenant Kevin Petrine, Lieutenant Kevin Chiszar, Firefighter Jamie Marr, Firefighter Hailey Labellarte, and the staff at Station 12.
