11 Graduate From Firefighter Recruiting School

Eleven new fire recruits graduated on Friday from firefighter recruit school during ceremonies held at the Cherokee County administration building in Canton.

The evening started with an invocation by Fire Chaplain, Don Williams, followed by the presentation of colors by the Cherokee County Fire Honor Guard and the singing of the national anthem by Rebecca Carlisle. The keynote speaker for the evening was Chief Michael “Moe” Baxter of the Chatsworth Fire Department.

Before the presentation of the certificates of completion, two recruits were given special awards.

The recipient of the Pinnacle Award “for striving to reach the top due to dedication and hard-work” in the firefighter recruit school class was presented to Michael P. Thomas, Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services said in its press release.

The W. Clark Waters’ Jr. Honor Graduate Award was presented to Richard B. Reed. The award was named on behalf of Clark Waters, a Cherokee County firefighter who passed away in 2004. Roberts was given the award in recognition of excellence in academics and leadership.

The recruits also heard remarks from Cherokee County Commission Chairman Buzz Ahrens, Assistant Fire Chief Eddie Robinson and Fire Chief Tim Prather, who encouraged the recruits to ”keep their faith, family and job as their main priority in their life,” Cherokee fire said in a press release.

Those recruits receiving certificates of completion were: Michael A. Axford, Cody D. Caviness, Bradley M. Hindmon, Charles H. McCormick, Richard B. Reed, Grace H. Robertson, Justin E. Sanders, Robert J. Steuer, Michael P. Thomas, Reginold L. Thurmon and Andrew D. Turner.

Photo 1: Recruits taking the oath of office

Photo 2: Cherokee Commission Chair Buzz Ahrens

Photo 3: Cherokee County Fire Chief Tim Prather

Photo 4: Cherokee County Assistant Fire Chief Eddie Robinson

Photo 5: Front row, from left to right: Justin Sanders, Charles McCormick, Bradley Hindmon, Michael Axford, Grace Robertson, Drew Turner and Cody Caviness. (Back row - left to right) Sgt. Jason Williams, Lt. Scott Deal, Richard Reed, Robert Steuer, Michael Thomas, Reginold Thurmon, Operations Chief Greg Erdely, Assistant Fire Chief Eddie Robinson and County Fire Chief Tim Prather.

Photo 6: Chatsworth Fire Chief Moe Baxton

Photo 7: Richard Reed with Lt. Scott Deal

Photo 8: Michael Thomas with Sgt. Jason Williams

Photo 9: a group of helmets.

Credits: Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services