Gwinnett County Fire Department Holds Recruit Graduation

The Gwinnett County Department of Fire and Emergency Services held a Basic Firefighter Recruit Graduation Ceremony Monday, December 10, 2012, at 5 p.m. at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center in Lawrenceville.  

A total of thirty-two new recruits received their diplomas and badges, presented by Fire Chief Bill Myers. The fire chief along with other elected officials and county staff recognized the new recruits for their achievements during an oftentimes arduous certification process. Fire recruits attend approximately 1,240 hours of basic firefighter and emergency medical technician training. There are 640 hours of firefighter training and over 600 hours of advanced-emergency medical technician training to include classroom, practical evolutions, and clinical rotations. In addition to the basics; recruits receive instruction in hazardous materials awareness/operations, emergency response to terrorism, and pre-hospital emergency medical care. Training to become a firefighter is both academically and physically challenging. A number of recruits who went above and beyond what was expected during the course of their training received awards for academics, physical fitness, core values, top rung, and the top EMT student will receive the Star of Life award.

“The individuals graduating will also receive their station assignments to begin working in the field,” said Gwinnett Fire Chief Bill Myers. The group was hired to fill vacancies created by retirements and promotions within the department. 

The hiring of firefighters would not be possible without the continued support of our Citizens, County Staff, and the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners. This is an important and exciting time in the history of the department. We are proud to be able to welcome these outstanding men and women to our fire and emergency services family.

Basic Firefighter Recruit Graduation Class 2012-1

Courtney Allen                                Mel Middlebrooks

Mike Ambort                                        Shane Palmer

Cameron Bagley                                  Dominic Pasqualino

Jennifer Brooks                                    Zack Payne

Jamie Cote                                          Cody Pickelsimer

Luke Cown                                           Zabi Polard

Eric Crisp                                             Brandon Porter

Derek Dotson                                       Scott Rary

Mark Dressler                                      Julio Rodriguez

Jamison Earley                         Jason Schuon

Wesley Ferguson                 Anthony Strother

Dusty Hall                                            Chris Tuck

Kyle Johnson                            Jess Verdejo

Chad Lake                                           Tyler Veronee

Web Marshal l                                      Mike Watson

Michael McDaniel                 Alex Wright

The graduates who received special awards were:

Eric Crisp-Core Values Award

Mark Dressler-Top Rung Award

Zabi Polard-Academic Award

Julio Rodriguez-EMT Class Star of Life and EMT Class Academic Award

Chris Tuck-Most Improved Award

Tyler Veronee-PT Award