Gwinnett County Graduates 24 New Firefighters

The GJAC Auditorium was packed Monday (Sept. 12) as new firefighters received their shiny new badges and diplomas. The Gwinnett County Department of Fire and Emergency Services welcomed 24 firefighters to its ranks during the badge pinning and graduation ceremony at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center.

The new firefighters, 23 men and one woman, were assigned to work in fire stations across the county including Duluth. The group is the first class of Gwinnett fire recruits ever to pass state-level certification testing for both firefighter and emergency medical technician on the first attempt, according to a press release on the graduation ceremony. "We are proud of the exemplary training and the many accomplishments of our newest firefighters," said Gwinnett Fire Capt. Tommy Rutledge. 

The graduation ceremony was attended by family members of the new firefighters, fire officials, county staff, and elected officials. Gwinnett County Commission Chairman Charlotte J. Nash, District 1 Commissioner Shirley Lasseter, District 3 Commissioner Mike Beaudreau, and County Administrator Glenn Stephens praised the new firefighters for their achievements.

Fire Chief Bill Myers reminded the graduating class that being a firefighter is about honor and service to the citizens of Gwinnett County.   

Class graduates include:

Firefighter Ryan Black

Firefighter Corey Dale

Firefighter Jeremy Edwards

Firefighter Adam Ewing

Firefighter Joshua Gary

Firefighter Mark Gerrin

Firefighter Sean Henry

Firefighter Jared Joiner

Firefighter Timothy Joyner

Firefighter Alan Krieg

Firefighter Jeremy Lancaster

Firefighter Justin Martin

Firefighter Justin McCarty

Firefighter Rebekah McInnes (Fire Station No. 5-Gwinnett Place Mall area)

Firefighter Jose Pagan (Fire Station No. 5-Gwinnett Place Mall area)

Firefighter Benjamin Pierce

Firefighter Titus Pugh (Fire Station No. 7 in Duluth)

Firefighter David Sargenski

Firefighter Blake Taylor

Firefighter David Thrasher (Fire Sation No. 19 in Duluth)

Firefighter Daniel Todd

Firefighter Jose Torres

Firefighter Joseph Wilson

Firefighter Samuel Yoder