“Today you transition from a fire recruit to a firefighter, and I’m proud to say you are more than ready.”

Words spoken by Fire Training Division Chief Arthur Parker to several hundred people gathered at Rock Springs Baptist Church to celebrate the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department’s newest class of firefighters. Family members, friends, command staff, fellow firefighters, and community members were there to welcome them to the family that is the Fire Department.

As for the idea of family, Chief Parker made sure to thank the new firefighter’s families for the sacrifices they made during the training process to be a support system, and then also to let them know they were also joining the Fire Department family.

“It’s not just about the firefighter; it’s about the family and their support,” he told them.

Deputy Chief Ron Smith backed that up, telling them, “your strength and support made today possible” before telling the new firefighters “from this moment on, your family becomes part of our family.”

“I count it a big honor to be here at this time with y’all,” Commissioner Raymond Wilder told the group, thanking them for rising to their calling and taking the necessary steps to serve and protect their community.

“Today is the day you step from training into fire service. You stop saying ‘I’m training to be a firefighter’ because today you become a firefighter,” Chief Smith said. “You are more than prepared…you are extraordinary.”

The graduation ceremony featured the Presentation of Colors, National Anthem, an invocation by Rev. Levornia Franklin, and multiple speakers. Each Firefighter took the Oath of Office and was sworn in by Fire Chief Shane Edwards.

Chief Smith gave them their charge, though it’s one each knew going into and through this process: “You will protect lives and make a difference in the way only a Macon-Bibb firefighter can.”

To view pictures from the ceremony, click here.