Forsyth Fire Presents Awards, Promotions, Graduates

In a ceremony held Friday, the Forsyth County Fire Department presented a number of awards, promoted personnel to a variety of positions and graduated its newest recruit class. 

Family, friends and fire fepartment staff attended the ceremony, which was held in the auditorium at the Georgia Army National Guard Armory in Cumming, according to the press release. 

To begin the ceremony, 20 Life Saved and Unit Citation awards were presented to fire personnel in recognition of outstanding actions over the past several years. 

“Periodically, the Forsyth County Fire Department reviews incidents of significance that have been nominated for particular acts of heroism or actions that result in a life saved,” said Division Chief Jason Shivers, who served as emcee for the ceremony. “Additionally, specific incidents that result in decisive and extraordinary efforts by a company are reviewed for Unit Citation Awards.” 

The department also presented a plaque to Gary Patty, a volunteer firefighter, for his efforts in restoring the department’s antique ladder truck, which is often used in parades. 

In the promotional portion of the event, the following personnel were promoted: 

• Fire Lieutenant Zachary John Buice to the rank of Battalion Chief 
• Fire Lieutenant Paige Colwell to the rank of Battalion Chief (unable to attend) 
• Plans Reviewer, Sr. Steve Melton Baker to Deputy Fire Marshal 
• Fire Lieutenant Joseph Hyatt Smith, Jr. to Fire Instructor  
• Firefighter/EMT Sam Ernest Adams to the rank of Fire Lieutenant 
• Firefighter/Paramedic Jason Elliot Keyman to the rank of Fire Lieutenant 
• Firefighter/EMT Paul Ross McAfee to the rank of Fire Lieutenant 
• Firefighter/EMT William Daniel Witcher to the rank of Fire Lieutenant 

In the graduation portion of the ceremony, 10 recruits were officially welcomed as Forsyth County firefighters. The recruits completed 14 weeks of arduous firefighter instruction and drills which included training on structural fire control, interior search and rescue, flammable and combustible liquids fire control, pressurized container fire control, fire hose testing, truck and engine company operations, hazardous materials awareness and operations, vehicle extrication, public utilities gas/electric safety, and terrorism awareness. In total, each recruit completed more than 560 hours of certified fire training preparing them for their new career. Those graduates were: 

• Clark Alan Coleman 
• Trent Alan Corey 
• Christopher Ryan Estrada 
• Robert Edward Eubanks 
• Joshua Daniel Griffeth 
• Matthew Brian Johnson 
• Jason Allen Kinsey 
• Christopher Matthew Roberts 
• Nathan Elias Sinrich 
• Kevin Michael Woodall 

Also taking the oath as Forsyth County firefighters during the ceremony were four personnel who are transferring from part-time shift workers to full-time firefighters with the county. They are: 

• Chantz Roy Adams 
• Andrew Ryan Bramblett 
• James Richard Damico 
• Colin James Halligan 

“We are very proud of every one of these individuals,” Fire Chief Danny Bowman said in the release. “From those who were recognized for their heroic actions on the job, to those who are about to begin their new career with our department, we extend our sincerest congratulations to each one.” 

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