Gwinnett Fire Department Graduates Recruits

Press release from Gwinnett County Fire Department's Lt. Colin Rhoden, the media relations/public information officer:

Gwinnett County Fire Departments 2012-01 Recruit School Class graduated Dec. 10, 2012. 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

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A total of thirty-two new recruits received their diplomas and badges, to be 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 more than 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 received the Star of Life award. (See above.)

"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.