(Lawrenceville, Ga., June 20, 2013) – The Gwinnett County Department of Fire and Emergency services promoted 39 employees to positions ranging from Driver/Engineer up to the Fire Chief of the Department. The auditorium at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center was the location of the ceremony where County and Fire Department leaders honored those promoted. Over 200 family members and coworkers attended this very special occasion.           

Promotions included 16 Driver/Engineers, 16 Lieutenants, four Captains, two Battalion Chiefs, one District Commander and the Fire Chief. All were issued the ranks and badges for their new positions. Proud spouses, children and special guests joined those honored by pinning the newly acquired badge to honorees. On-duty personnel, Fire Department retirees, and Gwinnett County Citizen Fire Academy Alumni volunteers were recognized for being in attendance. District 1 Commissioner Jace Brooks and District 2 Commissioner Lynette Howard attended the ceremony.

Gwinnett County Administrator, Glenn Stephens, addressed the audience and shared his firsthand experience about the professionalism of Gwinnett County Firefighters when his house caught fire after being struck by lightning. He said, “The men and women who wear the public safety uniform are simply the greatest force for good that the world has ever known. You are living symbols of the greatness of America and the goodness of the American people. From Oklahoma to Boston, we turn to you for protection and safety.”

Our newly appointed Fire Chief, Casey Snyder, was officially recognized at the ceremony by Glenn Stephens. Chief Snyder who’s been with the Fire Department since 1989, was praised by Stephens for being a strong advocate for the health and safety of our citizens and have an unwavering devotion to the well-being of his employees.

When Fire Chief Snyder spoke, he commended each of the promoted employees and congratulated them on their new positions. Chief Snyder, who is a great believer in succession planning, charged each of them to pass on what they know to others to help them be successful.

Members promoted were:

Driver/Engineers: Cody Baker, Sam Ballouk, Naymon Beaver, James Carr, Brian Caudle, Scott Coleman, Kevin Harmes, Chris Langlois, Blake McArthur, Nick Moore, Ryan Moore, Scott

Robertson, Phil Rogers, Fred Shirazinejad, Jason Weese and John Wharton.

Lieutenants: Josh Barnes, Jerrod Barrett, Charlie Bryson, Kyle Cody, Keith Gawronski, David Herrick, Chad Hodges, Derrick James, James Jester, Mike Jones, Jeff Kennedy, Hayes Kiser, Brian Kump, Scott Sanders, Britt Sartain, and Clayton Wright.

Captains: Pannell Ellis, Angie Jugenheimer, David Jugenheimer, and Bobby Ogletree.

Battalion Chiefs: Charlie Daniel, and Robert Ogburn.

District Commander: Wayne Estes.

Fire Chief: Casey Snyder.