The Camden County Board of Commissioners is pleased to announce that members of Recruit Class 2026-23 have successfully completed their Basic Firefighter requirements. In addition, several Camden County Fire Rescue personnel earned promotions in recognition of their continued service and leadership.

The Camden County Board of Commissioners is pleased to announce that members of Recruit Class 2026-23 have successfully completed their Basic Firefighter requirements. In addition, several Camden County Fire Rescue personnel earned promotions in recognition of their continued service and leadership. During a graduation ceremony held last week, Rebekah Apple, Olivia Bottke, James Contardi, Marion Davis, Troy Dickens, Chris Fuentes, Adonis Galvan, Shane Gumbs, Ian Head, Tanner Jones, Tristian Klaren, Michael Mathews, Jordan Michaux, Demitri White, and Tyler Young were honored for completing their training. High school interns Jacob Hartley and Jaycee Spencer were also recognized, along with Jordan Cutler and Dean Devogelaere of Kingsland Fire Rescue. Promotions announced during the ceremony included Battalion Chief Keith Brown, Captain Austin Agee, Captain Stephen Cheek, Lieutenant TJ Cheek, Lieutenant Brian Chiara, and Lieutenant Joshua Medlin. In his keynote address, retired St. Marys Fire Department Chief Robby Horton encouraged the new firefighters to learn from those with more experience as they build their careers, calling this the "greatest job in the world." Dozens of colleagues, family members, and friends listened as similar sentiments were shared by Camden County Fire Rescue (CCFR) Chief Terry Smith, Deputy Chief Lisa Boyett, and others throughout the ceremony. Division Chief – EMS Stuart Sullivan and EMS Training Captain Karolyn Mills also challenged the new Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) to view the weight of the uniform as both a symbol and a promise of their commitment to public service. "With graduation behind them, our newest firefighters are ready to serve Camden County and contribute to the safety of our community," said CCFR Chief Terry Smith. "Our Board of Commissioners and county leadership remain committed to supporting our fire service and the training that prepares these recruits for duty." Members of Recruit Class 2026-23 selected James Contardi as their Class Speaker. Marion Davis received recognition for earning the highest-grade point average, Tristian Klaren was honored as Most Improved, Tanner Jones was recognized as the Top Rung, and James Contardi was also acknowledged for his role as Team Leader. This was the second recruit class to combine firefighter and EMT training into a single program. James Contardi, Marion Davis, Troy Dickens, Chris Fuentes, Adonis Galvan, Shane Gumbs, Ian Head, Tanner Jones, Tristian Klaren, Michael Mathews, Jaycee Spencer, and Tyler Young completed training as EMTs. Marion Davis earned the highest average in the class, and Troy Dickens was recognized as Most Improved. The 18-week program included both classroom instruction and hands-on skills training to prepare firefighter recruits for state certification. Instructors recognized during the graduation ceremony include: Chief Terry Smith, Training Captain James Marr, Lieutenant Alexander Hoffman, Deputy Chief Lisa Boyett, Division Chief – EMS Stuart Sullivan, EMS Training Captain Karolyn Mills, Battalion Chief Shannon Herrin, Battalion Chief Christopher Williams, Captain Chris Goebel, Kingsland Fire Rescue Captain Andrew Smelik, Sergeant Matthew Liddell, and Firefighter Quincy McAfee.