Bulloch County Fire leadership were joined by three new recruits Thomas (Tom) Cassidy, Isiah Dorsey and Connor Dinitto and their families on Saturday, December 10 to be inducted into fire service for Bulloch County Fire Department.
The event was held at Bulloch County Public safety and included a firefighter certification graduation ceremony for Cassidy and Dorsey. Connor Dinitto had completed the firefighters certification in a previous class and has been serving as a volunteer with the department.
The firefighter certification class requires 400 hours of firefighting training and is led by Mitch Sikes, Bulloch County Fire Training Officer.
Ben Tapley, Bulloch Fire Chief and Ted Wynn, Bulloch County Public Safety Director opened the ceremony reminding everyone in attendance why this graduation and induction ceremony was so important.
"To all of you know that I understand the sacrifice you will make to serve our community and in time away from your family. It takes a certain courage and vision to do what you are now trained to do," said Wynn. I am awestruck and grateful for what you will do and all of the firefighters, EMT's and Paramedics do to serve the citizens of our community every day. It means a lot to all of us. Thank you."
Wynn went on to explain that the addition of these two firefighters along with adding volunteer firefighter Dinitto to full time status will bring the full time staff to 15. That combined with 8 part time firefighter will allow the department add the third staffed Bulloch County fire station.
Now three manned stations
These firefighters will begin work on Monday, December 12 and allow the Register fire station to come online 24/7 with full time personnel. The county now has stations in Brooklet, Portal and Register staffed 24/7 with firefighters and first responders.
These teams will not only add more rapidly responding fire protection, but they also are trained as first responders to respond to medical calls as well.
Chief Tapley noted that they are also working to train all full time firefighters as EMT's as well. This increase in medical training will enhance their abilities when responding to medical or accident calls.
Tom Couch, Bulloch County Manager administered the Firefighter Oath to the two graduating full-time firefighters.
Dream come true
Firefighter Tom Cassidy is a native of Boston. He moved to Bulloch recently and never dreamed he would have the opportunity to pursue his dream of becoming a firefighter.
"Being a firefighter is not just a job or a career it is a calling. When you are willing to lay down your life for a stranger I think that is a truly impressive thing. To look at a person on what is probably the worst day of their life and tell them I will take care of you and see you through this," said firefighter Cassidy. "That is a creed and a group that I definitely want to be a part of. Those are men I want to serve beside. Having brothers and sisters in fire service is something I have looked forward to my entire life. I am really proud I have found that here at Bulloch County fire."
Certified firefighters wanted
Chief Tapley said the department is looking for three more full-time firefighters. They have budget for 18 and with the addition of these three now have 15. If you are interested in become part of Bulloch County Fire fulltime you can reach Bulloch Fire Volunteer Coordinator, Pat Jones at [email protected] or 912-842-2200 to learn more or click here to apply.
Click here to learn more about the department or becoming a volunteer firefighter.
