The Fayette County Commission chambers were filled with coworkers, colleagues, friends and family April 2 for the graduation and swearing-in of the Fayette County Fire & Emergency Services (FES) cadet class of 2010.
The graduating class included Jared R. Babb, Philip E. Harris, Matthew J. Lanza, Matthew K. Noel and Richard C. Ryckeley. Also graduating with the Fayette group were Brian Porterfield and Chris Rogers from the Hapeville Fire Department.
“You guys are honored by friends and family and brothers and sisters. Years ago you were given a gift by your Creator,” Commissioner Chairman Jack Smith said near the opening of the ceremony. “It was the gift of service. Today you are about the take an oath to give that gift of service to your community. It is a gift that will inspire you to be the best you can be.”
Fayette Public Safety Director Allen McCullough during the ceremony noted the specialized training that accompanied the cadet class, adding that this group represents the county’s first class to graduate with their EMT certification.
Just prior to the swearing-in by Fayette County Chief Magistrate Judge Charles R. Floyd, Fayette FES Commander Steve Folden commented on the families of firefighters and the commitment to the profession the firefighters have chosen.
“Each man here today has made a sacrifice. And we thank their families for their sacrifice for sending them to work every day,” Folden said. “That sacrifice some day will allow others to benefit. Firefighting is not something you do, it’s something that you are.”
