The Fire Department has officially welcomed 17 new members to its family. They held a graduation ceremony for the new firefighters on Friday, April 7, at Central Georgia Technical College. You can watch the full ceremony here. 

“We are so proud and excited for this class to officially become part of Team Macon-Bibb,” said Fire Chief Shane Edwards. “This class is extra special since it’s the first to train at our brand-new Fire Academy. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for them.” 

Family and friends joined the celebration as the new class took an oath of office and were sworn in by Chief Edwards.  

“I couldn’t be any happier looking at this great group of people that we have today. It’s been fun to watch them grow over the last several weeks,” said Mayor Lester Miller. “I know you’ve been trained well by the very best. I want you to remember when you put on those uniforms, you are representing Macon-Bibb County. Thank you for your service.” 

The class began training January 9, immediately after the completion of the new Training Building on Tinker Drive. They have been in intensive training ever since. 

“A term that you hear in the fire department is brotherhood or sisterhood, but what does that mean? Simply defined, it means firefighters and their families take care of firefighters and their families. Because these firefighters are joining our family today, you too are our family,” Deputy Fire Chief Todd Alligood told the crowd.

Click here to see pictures from the ceremony.