Gwinnett Fire Department Promotes Dozens

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA -- The Gwinnett County Department of Fire and Emergency Services recently promoted 59 department members to higher ranks.

A badge-pinning ceremony was held on Thursday at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center in Lawrenceville.

"This is an exciting and historical time for the fire and emergency services department," said Gwinnett Fire Capt. Tommy Rutledge. "We are blessed and fortunate to have the support from our citizens, county staff and elected officials, which helps to make promotions like these possible."

The new promotions included 26 to Driver Engineer, 17 to Lieutenant, 11 to Captain, 3 to Battalion Chief, 1 to Deputy Chief and 1 to Assistant Chief.

In 2015, the department responded to over 74,000 emergency incidents from 30 fire stations throughout the county. The department has an authorized strength of 898 personnel.

Those being promoted and their families were joined by Fire Chief Casey Snyder, county staff and elected officials. Snyder addressed the group, encouraging them them to continue seeking success and to lead by example.

The following is a list of Gwinnett firefighters receiving promotions at the ceremony:

Driver Engineer

West Bennett, Wayne Lumpkin, Greg Bowers, Blake Mattison, Kraig Crawford, Jim McArthur, Jeff DerCola, Kyle Morrison, Chris Downing, Jason Mull, Grant Eichenlaub, Jonathan Myers, Blake Hall, Jessica Pazinets, Justin Hall, Denny Scott, James Hughes, Ray Swords, Mark Hughes, Jason White, Jason Jones, Justin White, Alex Joyner, Justin Wilson, Aaron Klinect, Shane Younker

Lieutenant

Chris Ambort, Brian Headspeth, Ryan Anderson, Jeff Helzerman, Sam Ballouk, Sam Ingram, Chad Bird, Trey Johnson, Tyler Boling, Rob Mathis, Brian Caudle, Mike Simmons, Ronnie Ezell, Carlos Spears, Allen Fambrough, Brian Van Nus, Keith Fitzpatrick

Captain

Keith Contino, Keith King, Ryan Glover, Hayes Kiser, Mike Hughes, John McGriff, Derrick James, Brian Rogers, Matt Jamieson, Jekerry Weaver, James Jester

Battalion Chief

Phillip Merck, Jason Simms, Kevin Towe

Deputy Chief/District Commander

Billy Clark

Assistant Chief

Russell Knick

(Photos courtesy Gwinnett County Fire & Emergency Services)