Cherokee County
Fire & Emergency Services
Fire & Emergency Services
Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services (CCFES) celebrated the graduation of twenty recruits at a ceremony held at First Baptist Church of Woodstock on Friday evening, April 25th.
The ceremony commenced at 7:00 p.m. with a welcome from Sergeant James Laughlin and an invocation by Fire Chaplain Dana McPherson. The National Anthem was performed by FAO Jedediah Martin, with the presentation of the nation’s colors by the CCFES Honor Guard.
Kenneth McKibben and Wilson Washington, chosen as the spokespersons 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 Kyle Kampovsky. 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 Gregory Shelton.
· Jill Mabley Star of Life Award: Presented by Instructor Sandra Johnson, this award recognizes outstanding performance in EMT and Advanced EMT training. Orlando Clausel 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 those firefighters that have come before us and how much has changed in the fire service to benefit firefighters and the citizens.
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 ten 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, April 27th, 2025.
The graduating recruits are: Orlando Clausel, Jonathon Garbacz, Jack Gobbel, Jaden Griggs, Bryson Guinn, Jonathon Haney, Cody Herring, Javain Hightower, Kyle Kampovsky, Paul Lamb, Casey Manus, Taylor McDaris, Kenneth McKibben, Drake Moore, Tanner Shelton, David Showalter, Austin Stumpf, Pierson Suggs, Wilson Washington III, and Evan Wolff.
Group Photo: From L to R, Top Row: Scott Gwinn, Marc Liscio, Mark Orr, Drew Champion, Brian Ward, Kevin Lanier, James Lussier, Jim Laughlin, Dean Floyd, 3rd Row: Eddie Robinson, Paul Lamb, Javian Hightower, Drake Moore, Kyle Kampovsky, Tanner Shelton, Austin Stumpf, Kody McKibben Shane West; 2nd Row: Jaden Griggs, Casey Manus, Jack Gobbel, Wilson Washington III, Jonathon Garbacz, Pierson Suggs, David Showalter, Sandy Johnson; Front row: Tom Pelletier, Orlando Clausel, Jonathon Haney, Bryson Guinn, Cody Herring, Evan Wolff, Taylor McDaris.