On Monday, July 17, 2023, the Statesboro Fire Department held a graduation and pinning ceremony for 10 recruits who have completed the recruit class 2023-2 training program.
The program was held in the Statesboro Farmers Market venue. Statesboro Fire Chief, Tim Grams led the ceremony and was assisted by Deputy Chief Bobby Duggar, Assistant Chief Jason Baker and Training Captain Parker Johnson.
Chief Grams explained to the audience that the SFD in house, recruit training program is a rigorous eight week training program designed to provide the minimum training required by the State of Georgia to become a certified firefighter. Most other fire departments recruit program runs from 12 to 16 weeks.
The compressed timeline requires a tremendous amount of determination and desire on the participants part. It necessitates long days with nights of study and preparation for the next day.
The expectations and benchmarks SFD has set and holds their recruits accountable to far exceeds what you might find in other departments.
Chief Grams recognized Assistant Chief Jason Baker and Training Captain Parker Johnson who are responsible for the planning and management of the recruit training program.
He also recognized and thanked all of the firefighters in the department who helped with the training including the instructors:
- Captain Jamie Strosnider
- Captain Jon Patterson
- Lieutenant Eric Baxter
Video of the Ceremony
Recruit Class 2023-2:
Jonathan Barrow
pinned by his dad Timothy Barrow
Cody Cowart
pinned by mom and dad Jamey and Renae Cowart
Jacob Davidson
pinned by his girlfriend Hayden Sanders
Eli Gawthrop
pinned by his mom Danielle Gawthrop
Ethan Leonard
pinned by friend Casey Perkins
Drayton Lewis (did not attend)
Kaream Martin
pinned by mom Daisy Martin
Kaden McDonald
pinned by mom Jennifer McDonald
Jacob White
pinned by dad Jim White
Brandon Williams
pinned by father-in-law SFD Captain Stacy Wilson
Grice Connect extends our congratulations to these brave men who have completed this first step into a firefighting career. Thank each of you for stepping up to serve our community in such a remarkable way.