(Lawrenceville, Ga., September 8, 2017) – The Gwinnett County Department of Fire and Emergency Services is proud to announce the recent graduation of 13 new recruits who completed the department’s arduous training program to become certified Firefighter/Paramedics. Additionally, there were three veteran firefighters who successfully completed the paramedic training program in order to enhance their skills.

A ceremony was held on Thursday, September 7, 2017 at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center in Lawrenceville. Fire Chief Casey Snyder and members of the department’s Command Staff joined the recruits and their families in a badge pinning ritual and presentation of certificates. Commission Chairman Charlotte Nash and County Administrator Glenn Stephens, praised the group for their hard work and dedication as they underwent 15-months of classroom instruction, medical clinical rotations at the hospital and on the ambulance, practical lab scenarios and basic firefighter training. The group has already begun working at various fire stations throughout the county. Accolades were also given to the families who supported the recruits as they completed the class assignments and focused on their studies during the academy program.

Chief Snyder reminded the group that the profession is built on public trust and expressed the importance of being public servants. Several class awards and recognitions were given out to include: Academic Award to Justin Whisnant, Physical Fitness Award to Evan Phillips, Paramedic Star of Life Award to Justin Whisnant, Core Values Award to Will Brooks and Top Rung Award to Evan Phillips.

The list of graduates includes:

Veteran Firefighters Who Completed the Paramedic Program
Brant Keiser
Ashley Fields
Kasey Fields

New Firefighter/Paramedic Recruit Graduates
Michael Baker Patrick Green
Jeremy Blumenshine Moises Murcia
Will Brooks Evan Phillips
Justin Cook Tom Slinn
Jordan Davis Amanda Wells
Michael Davis Justin Whisnant
Dan Glasser-Reich