25 Firefighters Graduate Recruit Training Program

WOODSTOCK, GA (September 13, 2024) — Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services (CCFES) celebrated the graduation of twenty-five recruits at a ceremony held at First Baptist Church of Woodstock on Friday evening, September 13th.

The ceremony commenced at 7:00 p.m. with a welcome from Division Chief Daniel Carder and an invocation by Fire Chaplain Tom Johnson. The National Anthem was performed by Darrek Cornelison, with the presentation of the nation’s colors by the CCFES Honor Guard.

Jacob Pinson, chosen as the spokesperson for the graduating class, addressed the audience, expressing gratitude to the training staff and reflecting on the journey from strangers to a united team ready to embrace their new roles in the fire service.

Three notable awards were presented during the evening:

• Douglas Clark Waters Jr. Award: Lieutenant James Lussier presented this award to Jacob Pinson. It honors Sergeant Douglas Clark Waters Jr., a Cherokee County firefighter who tragically lost his life in the line of duty in 2003.
• Pinnacle Award: Awarded by retired Battalion Chief Tom Pelletier, this accolade is the highest honor a recruit can achieve. This year’s recipient was Zachary Lippincott.
• Jill Mabley Star of Life Award: Presented by Instructor Sandra Johnson, this award recognizes outstanding performance in EMT and Advanced EMT training. Vincent Post was honored with this award, named in honor of longtime Medical Director Jill Mabley MD, FACEP.

Deputy Chief of Operations Kevin Lanier addressed the recruits, emphasizing their entry into a global fire service family and urging them to balance their professional and personal lives. He reflected on the recent funeral service for Firefighter David Gray and underscored the importance of doing the important things now and maintaining spiritual strength.

Deputy Chief of Support Services Shane West congratulated the graduates, acknowledging the strength they bring to the fire service and highlighting the vital role of their families.

Fire Chief Eddie Robinson delivered the final remarks, congratulating the graduates and expressing appreciation for the service of retired firefighters, police officers, 911 operators, and veterans present. He thanked the training and support staff for their dedication and assured the families of the department's commitment to the safety of their loved ones. Chief Robinson offered advice for success both in their careers and personal lives before swearing in the new firefighters. Family and friends joined the graduates to pin their badges.

The new firefighters, who have completed eight months of rigorous training and hold the credentials of Firefighter II and Advanced Emergency Medical Technician, will begin field operations at various stations throughout Cherokee County on Sunday, September 15th, 2024.

The graduating recruits are: Jason Bailey, Bryce Barnhill, Robert Brewer, Zachary Brown, William Cagle, Matthew Chilton, Sally Farnham, Brandon Hines, Finley Lackender, Heather Laughlin, Brayden Lind, Zachary Lippincott, Samuel Lopez, David Martin, Dean Messer, Brett Mosher, Jonathan Peterman, Jacob Pinson, Vincent Post, Gabriel Prieto, Brandon Scales, Wyatt Seieroe, Jade Styck, Joseph Swaney, and Joshua Wright.

Group photo:

From L to R, Front Row: Zachary Lippincott, William Cagle, Jason Bailey, Sally Farnham (Pickens County FD), Heather Laughlin, Gabriel Prieto, Joshua Wright ; Middle: Brandon Hines, Matthew Chilton, Robert Brewer, Finley Lackender, Brett Mosher (Forsyth County FD), Jacob Pinson, Joseph Swaney, Jade Styck, Wyatt Seieroe ; Top row: Bryce Barnhill, Zachary Brown, Brayden Lind, Samuel Lopez, David Martin, Dean Messer, Jonathan Peterman, Vincent Post, Brandon Scales

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