The Camden County Board of Commissioners is pleased to announce that the nine members of Recruit Class 2021-06 have completed their Basic Firefighter requirements. Matthew Adams, Samuel Coward, Joseph Highsmith, Hailey Labellarte, Devin Mahoney, Jeremy Marshall, Malik Reed, Hector Vazquez-Francisco, and Dantrell Yates were recognized at a graduation ceremony held earlier this week.
In his keynote address, Camden County Fire Rescue (CCFR) Chief Terry Smith encouraged the new firefighters to remember why they became firefighters. He also stressed the importance of continued training as they gain experience and become leaders and heroes in the community. Dozens of colleagues, family, and friends listened as similar sentiments and instructions were expressed by Assistant Chief Charles Lowther, Operations Chief Lisa Boyett, and Training Captain Tim Haney as they welcomed and honored the new graduates throughout the ceremony.
“These new firefighters are equipped to be valuable contributors to public safety thanks to assistance from our partners at Georgia Forestry Commission, Kingsland Fire Department, and St. Marys Fire Department,” said CCFR Chief Terry Smith. “We continue to be thankful to the Board of Commissioners for their ongoing support of this program and Camden County Fire Rescue.”
Members of Recruit Class 2021-06 selected Jeremy Marshall as their Class President and he also received a certificate for having the highest class average. Joseph Highsmith was recognized as Most Improved.
The twelve-week program included both classroom and practical skills training to prepare firefighter recruits for earning state certification. These nine firefighters are continuing their training by taking an Emergency Medical Technician Basic (EMT-B) course.
This graduation ceremony occurred during Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week. At their recent meeting, the Camden County Board of Commissioners recognized the diligent efforts of CCFR’s paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT).
For more information about future recruit classes, please contact Camden County Fire Rescue Headquarters at 912-729-3911.
From Left:
Training Captain Tim Haney, Hailey Labellarte, Malik Reed, Joseph Highsmith, Matthew Adams, Chief Terry Smith, Jeremy Marshall, Devin Mahoney, Hector Vazquez-Francisco, Dantrell Yates, and Samuel Coward