Nash Community College Recognizes Fire Graduates

Under the motto of “When You Walk Through Fire You Will Not Be Burned” Nash Community College Recruit Firefighter Class #021516 graduated in Brown Auditorium at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, August 17. The ceremony began with a processional and a presentation of colors by Rocky Mount Fire Department Honor Guard followed by a welcome given by Nash Community College President, Dr. Bill Carver. Graduates were recognized for completing the program which is designed to provide individuals and firefighters the information and skills needed for modern firefighting through a variety of learning experiences and training scenarios. These classes are often taken directly to firefighters through training sessions held in local departments and at training sites throughout the community.

The guest speaker for the ceremony was Nashville Fire Department Chief Randy Goodbrod. “Today is a celebration for everybody involved,” began Goodbrod. He explained how the cadets had reached the end of their entry level training and were now ready to begin a career in a profession that dates back to 115 B.C. Chief Goodbrod reminded cadets to be active in their continued training to become a better firefighter and part of a team. “The only way this can happen is if each of you remember what you were taught, practice what you were taught, practice it again, and again, and again until you can’t get it wrong,” said Chief Goodbrod.

John Winstead, Nash Community College Fire & Health Services Director presented the graduates with badges and certificates. Graduates pictured from left: Catherine Harrison and Lamonte Overton Blue, Jr.