Continued training and the importance of family support were the watch words last Wednesday evening as 50 new volunteers were honored at the 2011 Spring EMS and Firefighter Graduation Program, held at Goochland High School.

Thirty-two EMT Academy graduates and 18 Firefighter Academy graduates were recognized.

As the first order of business, Fire and Rescue Chief William MacKay asked the new recruits to stand up and turn around.

“Those folks who are out there are the reason that you graduated,” said MacKay, referring to the recruits’ families. “Their support and encouragement are the reasons you made it through the training,” he said, “So I want all of you to say thank you to them.”

When their thank you shout was not loud enough to please the chief, he had them do it again.

MacKay also drove home the importance of continuing to train to update their skills.

“This is the end of your initial training,” said MacKay. “But if you think you’ve learned everything, you’re sadly mistaken. Our line of business is constantly evolving and changing.”
MacKay also acknowledged the hazardous nature of the work the volunteers will do.

“I can’t promise that your loved ones will always come home to you safe and sound,” he told the families, “But I will make this promise to you, that during their time with Goochland Fire and Rescue, we’ll make sure they have the best equipment, the best training, the best personal protective equipment and the best folks they can have accompanying them into a dangerous environment.”

“The community respects you, they trust you,” said Deputy Chief of EMS Eddie Ferguson, and urged the recruits to be respectful and show compassion to those they will serve.

“They may remember you for the rest of their lives,” said Ferguson of the people the recruits will help.

Ferguson also encouraged the new volunteers to keep on learning.

“This business has risks – continue to take training,” he said.

Deputy Chief of Training Chris Brooks followed up on the training theme.

“You can never stop training,” he said. ‘Every call you learn something.”

District 3 supervisor Ned Creasey, a life member of Goochland Fire and Rescue, said the Fire and Rescue Service led to him being on the Board of Supervisors.

“It’s our duty to provide you with the best training and equipment,” said Creasey, who told families to “say a little prayer” when the volunteers go out on a call.

Keynote speaker Captain Eugene E. “Cricket” Gerald of the Henrico Fire Department praised the graduates for their accomplishments.

“We welcome you into the fire service family,” said Gerald. He said the most important tool the recruits have is their hearts.

“Helping people you don’t know – you can’t do that without compassion and sacrifice,” said Gerald and urged the graduates to fall back on their families for support.

“We’re all brothers and sisters, anywhere in the world, New York, London or Goochland,” said District Chief Kevin Jones, who served as the master of ceremonies for the event.

After the graduates filed across the stage to receive their badges and certificates, they gathered at a reception with friends and family.

EMT graduate Jesse Powell got a hug from EMT Academy Lead Instructor Pamm Bryant.

“I wanted to help out the community,” said Powell, who said he hoped one day to be a full-time paid EMT. Powell said he plans to attend the Firefighter Academy next.

Another EMT graduate, Jillian Edgar, a rising senior at Goochland High School, said she hopes one day to be a doctor.

“They welcome you in,” said Edgar of the Fire/EMS community.

MacKay said the sense of family among fire and rescue personnel extends world-wide.

“You can stop at any firehouse around the world,” he said. “It doesn’t know any boundaries.”

MacKay praised the graduates and said although some may go on to other things, many will stay at home.

“Some may go on to become doctors or other professionals but some may stay for 20 or 30 years as volunteers here in Goochland County,” he said.

For more information on Goochland Fire and Rescue visit their web site at www.goochlandfire-rescue.org.

Photo by Ken Odor
EMT and Firefighter Academy graduates are sworn in by Goochland Fire and Rescue Chief   William MacKay at last week’s graduation ceremony at Goochland High School. Thirty two EMTs and 18 Firefighter graduates were recognized.