On Friday, April 30, 2021, the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department welcomed 14 new members to its family. Fourteen people from different backgrounds, but with the same mission: to protect and serve Macon-Bibb County.

The Graduating Class was the first class to begin its training in 202o, and one of the youngest in the class was 18-year-old David Danzie III. He could not wait to join the Department and wasted no time in applying.

“The day after I graduated [high school], I applied. I sent in my diploma,” said Danzie.

The application process started more than a year ago. After several interviews came 12 weeks of training. That included learning to fight fires, to perform EMT duties, to practice what it’s like to work in high-pressure dangerous situations, and the ins and outs of being a Macon-Bibb County firefighter.

“Training is tough. It’ll get you physically, mentally, and emotionally. You just have to maintain that go-getter force,” said Danzie.

The dedication and passion is what kept many going, like Guyton Harrison III, who has a military background.

“It was something I have always wanted to do. I knew it would be rewarding and exponential for my career and my life,” said Harrison.

Fourteen recruits who were once strangers became very close. While they were sent to different stations across the county as professionals, they’ll forever keep that bond they had as rookies.

“We just clicked as a group,”  said Danzie. “Now I can officially call them my family,”

“Thousands of people in Macon-Bibb County are behind you,” Mayor Lester Miller told the graduating class. “We realize the sacrifices you make each and every day for your family. Thousands of people have your backs.”

To learn more about the process to become a firefighter, click here.