Kinston Fire and Rescue grew in strength Wednesday evening as 11 new firefighters were officially sworn in by Mayor Don Hardy. But before they were sworn in, two firefighter driver operators of fire engines, Ronald Fritter and Antwan Hardy, were promoted to the rank of fire control specialist II; and four personnel were promoted to captain: David Young, Jeremy Pearson, Tyler Foyles and Jason Lee. Earnest Davis, who has been with the Kinston Fire Department for nearly 30 years, was promoted to deputy chief. Kinston Fire Chief Damien Locklear said Davis rose through the ranks quickly with due diligence and was instrumental in the training and safety of the department and reporting methods. He was promoted to the administration commander when the Department of Public Safety reorganized back to the police department and fire department.