(Lawrenceville, Ga., Sept. 21, 2016) – The Gwinnett County Department of Fire and Emergency Services is proud to announce the graduation of personnel from an arduous training program that for many included a total of 16-months of classroom training, paramedic clinical rotations and learning basic firefighter skills. The group included a mix of new recruits and seasoned personnel. The class consisted of 25 new recruits who started the program back in June of 2015. They were eventually joined by 5 veteran firefighter/EMT’s who sought to further their skills by becoming paramedics.

”We are excited to add these personnel to an already outstanding staff,” said Fire Chief Casey Snyder. The class graduated on Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2016, during a prestigious ceremony held in the auditorium at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center. Those graduating from the program along with their family and friends were joined by Fire Chief Casey Snyder, County Commission Chairman Charlotte J. Nash, District 2 Commissioner Lynette Howard, County Administrator Glenn Stephens and Deputy County Administrator Phil Hoskins as they participated in a badge pinning ritual.

Chairman Nash complemented the class on their achievements and thanked them for the service they will provide to the citizens of Gwinnett County. She welcomed the families of the new recruits and spoke about their support and sacrifices during the training process. County Administrator Glenn Stephens applauded the group for the dedication and discipline they showed by completing the rigorous certification requirements. He also thanked the group for making Gwinnett County their career choice.

The department’s medical director, Doctor Earl Grubbs remarked on the fact that the training to become a paramedic is equivalent to a mini-med school for doctors. He called the new firefighter-paramedics well-trained and ready to handle any type of emergency situation. Grubbs was joined in his comments by assistant medical director, Doctor Patrick McDougal.

Fire Chief Casey Snyder addressed the graduates and reiterated the fact that they had now entered a distinguished profession that is built on public trust. He encouraged them to continue learning and to support the mission, vision and values of the department.
Class spokesman, Recruit Aum Patel, stood before a packed auditorium and reflected on the experiences during both the fire and medical training. He spoke about the journey from the beginning of being individuals and strangers who shared a common goal, to becoming a team and family that will share a forever bond.
Several awards were given out by the instructors to students who excelled in different areas of their training. Award recognitions included:

Paramedic Star of Life Award – Sean Jackson
Fire Recruit Academic Award – Ryan Hartman
Fire Recruit Core Values Award – Courtney Weigel
Fire Recruit Physical Fitness Award – Courtney Weigel
Top Rung Award – Sean Dudish

Paramedic Graduates (veteran firefighter personnel)
Dean Fritz Josh Gary
Caleb Jordan Josh LeBlanc
David Thrasher

Firefighter-Paramedic/Recruit Graduates (new recruits)
Dane Afzali Brian Koerner
Josiah Brownfield Spencer Konuszewski
Sean Dudish Aum Patel
Justin Elder Cody Phillips
Jesse Ellis Lesly Ramirez Godoy
Robbie Fairfield Marc Robinson
Manny Garcia Rich Sanchez
Zak Germaine Brock Smith
Austin Giragos Cameron Upchurch
Ben Grim Courtney Weigel
Ryan Hartman Taylor Wilde
Sean Jackson Braden Wuerch
Michael Joseph

Dropbox Photo link from the graduation ceremony: https://www.dropbox.com/s/343tew2yz23q6ru/Gwinnett%20Fire%20-%20Firefighter-Paramedic%20Recruit%20Class%20Graduation%20Photos%209-20-16.mp4?dl=0