On Monday, September 18, 2023, the Statesboro Fire Department held a graduation and pinning ceremony for the recruits who have completed the recruit class 2023-3 training program.
The program was held in the Statesboro Farmers Market venue. Statesboro Fire Chief Tim Grams led the ceremony and was assisted by Assistant Chief Jason Baker, Training Captain Parker Johnson, and Captain Eric Baxter.
Chief Grams explained to the audience that the SFD's in-house recruit training program is a rigorous eight week training program designed to provide the minimum training required by the State of Georgia to become a certified firefighter. Most other fire departments recruit program runs from 12 to 16 weeks.
The compressed timeline requires a tremendous amount of determination and desire on the participants' part. It necessitates long days with nights of study and preparation for the next day.
The expectations and benchmarks SFD has set and holds their recruits accountable to far exceed what you might find in other departments.
Chief Grams recognized Assistant Chief Jason Baker and Training Captain Parker Johnson, who are responsible for the planning and management of the recruit training program.
He also recognized and thanked all of the firefighters in the department who helped with the training, including the instructors:
- Captain Jamie Strosnider
- Captain Eric Baxter
Video of the Ceremony
Meet the 2023-3 Class
Jake Ault
Dylan Auschwitz
Andrew Hutcheson
Benjamin Milligan
Michael Williams
FF Kendall Wiggins
FF Wiggins was already certified as a firefighter and didn't have to go through the complete recruit training.
Grice Connect extends our congratulations to these brave men who have completed this first step into a firefighting career. Thank each of you for stepping up to serve our community in such a remarkable way.
Special thanks to Layne Phillips and Kathleen O'Connor for their contributions to this story.
