CORNELIA — For the first time in its history, Cornelia Fire Department has produced a recruit class that is now joining its ranks after 10 weeks of training.
Firefighters Joshua Bigelow, Keith Bohannon, Chandler Smith, and John Wall were sworn in Saturday during a graduation ceremony.
Family members pinned on their badges and collar brass, signaling them beginning their official tour of duty.
“It’s a good group of young men and they’re going to take and serve the community very well,” said Assistant Chief Shane Bentley.
Bentley talked of the commitment, requirements, determination, and endurance required to complete the recruit training, but also to be part of the department.
Bentley said on the first day the recruits struggled to run a mile but now, almost three months later, can run from the downtown firehouse on South Main Street to the North Station on Business 441 on the other end of town — in full gear. The recruits also were conditioned to walk up Chenocetah Mountain (aka Tower Mountain) in full gear with packs.
That’s because Bentley said Cornelia leaders want only the best responding to emergencies in the city to ensure the safety of residents and visitors, but also firefighters.
Firefighter Chandler Smith is pinned by his mother, longtime Cornelia Police Officer Stephanie Smith, as Assistant Fire Chief Shane Bentley and Fire Chief Billy Jenkins watch.
New Cornelia Firefighter John Wall, right, is pinned by his father, Griggs Wall.
New Cornelia Firefighter Joshua Bigelow is pinned by his wife Tabitha as Assistant Chief Shane Bentley watches.
Cornelia Fire Chief Billy Jenkins discusses the commitment of new Firefighter Keith Bohannon, both to his nation as a veteran and to the fire department.
New Cornelia Firefighters John Wall, Joshua Bigelow, Chandler Smith, and Keith Bohannon receive their oath of office from Assistant Chief Shane Bentley.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2022/6/1112598/cornelia-fire-department-graduates-first-ever-recruit-class