Gwinnett Promotes, Graduates Firefighters, Paramedics

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA — Gwinnett County Department of Fire and Emergency Services is celebrating dozens of members who have been promoted or graduated from their recruit training program.

On Thursday, Feb. 20, families and friends joined them in the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center's auditorium. "Smiles, handshakes and hugs were plentiful as eight Driver Engineers, eight Lieutenants and four Captains were promoted," the department said in a release, adding that two firefighters completed paramedic school and the 2018-03 recruit class graduated.

"Commission Chairman, Charlotte J. Nash, reminded everyone of how endeared she is to public safety and encouraged the newly promoted firefighters to uphold the standard that has been placed in front of them," a release from the department said.

Here's a list of those who have been promoted:

Driver Engineers: Luke Cown, Chris McLendon, Reid Cown, Mike Newport, Matt Knebel, Robert B. Parr, Jeb Krause, Sam Yoder

Lieutenants: Aaron Blackwell, Wayne Lumpkin, Grant Carter, Ben Pierce, Kyle Doster, Andrew Roberts, Ben Hulsey, Donald Strother

Captains: Chad Bird, Craig Tisdale, Dan Staton, Scott Wooten

The new firefighters and paramedics put 16 months into their rigorous program with thousands of hours dedicated to learning about paramedicine and basic firefighting. "Being able to shed the label of recruit was earned and the 10 certifications they acquired along their journey allows them to be recognized as Firefighter/Paramedics," the release says.

A few particular recruits stood out in training. The Academic and Star of Life Awards went to Tyler Culp, Core Values Award went to Luke Foshee, Top Rung Award went to Logan Holt and the Physical Fitness Award went to Travis Nyberg.