There are 17 new firefighters in the ranks of departments in south Alabama following the graduation ceremony of Recruit Class 21-01 on the morning of Friday, Nov. 19 the Island Church in Orange Beach, Alabama.
The young men took to the stage as recruits and stepped down as sworn firefighters, with eight representing Orange Beach Fire & Rescue, three with Daphne Fire Department, three with Gulf Shores Fire & Rescue, two with Atmore Fire Department and one with Spanish Fort Fire & Rescue.
The class fulfilled all of the requirements set forth by the Alabama Fire College and Personnel Standards Commission. The ceremony included the badge pinning by the graduates’ family members and loved ones; a certificate ceremony led by Assistant Chief of Training Kevin Lanford; and the oath of office given by Orange Beach Fire Chief Mike Kimmerling. Mayor Tony Kennon welcomed and congratulated Class 21-01.