WOODBINE, Ga. – The Camden County Board of Commissioners is pleased to announce that the eight members of Recruit Class 2022-11 have completed their Basic Firefighter requirements. Shawn Allen, Caitlyn Downing, Tyler Jones, Colton Pickren, Isaiah Richards, Madison Regulacion, Dylan Thomas, and Donald Williams were recognized at a graduation ceremony held earlier this week along with Alexandra Middleton of Kingsland Fire Rescue.
In his keynote address, Camden County Fire Rescue (CCFR) Chief Terry Smith encouraged the new firefighters to remember why they became firefighters. He also stressed the importance of continued training as they gain experience and become leaders and heroes in the community. Dozens of colleagues, family, and friends listened as similar sentiments and instructions were expressed by others throughout the ceremony.
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“We continue to be thankful to the Board of Commissioners for their ongoing support of Camden County Fire Rescue and specifically this program,” said CCFR Chief Terry Smith. “These new firefighters are equipped to be contributors to public safety thanks to valuable assistance from our partners at Kingsland Fire Rescue and St. Marys Fire Department.”
Members of Recruit Class 2022-11 selected Caitlyn Downing as their Class Speaker. Colton Pickren was honored for having the highest class average. The Top Rung Award of Excellence was presented to Tyler Jones. Isaiah Richards was recognized as Most Improved.
The twelve-week program included both classroom and practical skills training to prepare firefighter recruits for earning state certification. Recruits completed 508 total training hours, including 345 state-required hours. Courses completed include Firefighter 1, Hazmat Awareness, Hazmat Operations, Firefighter 2, Crash Victim Extrication, and Emergency Vehicles Operations Course (EVOC).
Instructors recognized during the graduation ceremony include Training Captain Jeffrey Jones, Captain Keith Brown, Lieutenant Andrew Smelik, Sergeant Jamie Marr, and Life Squad 4 crews. Thank you to all staff who assisted in the Fire 1 Recruit Training.
For more information about future recruit classes, please contact Camden County Fire Rescue Headquarters at 912-729-3911.