NCC Graduates Seven Recruit Firefighters

Under the motto of “Leadership, Teamwork, Service,” Nash Community College Recruit Firefighter Class #020915 graduated in Brown Auditorium at 6 p.m. on Thursday, August 20. The ceremony began with a processional and a presentation of colors by Rocky Mount Fire Department Honor Guard followed by a ceremonial welcome given by Nash Community College Associate Vice President of Community and Governmental Affairs, Dr. Keith Smith. 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 Rocky Mount Fire Department Chaplain, Apostle Kenneth Anderson. Anderson read from 1 Samuel 18:1, telling the new public servants to always love one another explaining their new endeavor as a covenant of service to the Department and their fellow man. Anderson delivered a message of value and sacrifice to the graduates saying, “See the value of the life next to you, see the value so you can make the sacrifice that’s required.” He also explained to the recruits they would be challenged in the field of firefighting and would need to become selfless. Closing with the words of Dr. Martin Luther King,Jr.,  Anderson quoted “Life’s most urgent and persistent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?'”

Willie Kearney,III, Nash Community College Fire Rescue Coordinator and Instructor presented the seven graduates with badges and certificates. Graduates pictured from left, on the front row: Coleman Williams of Pilot, Daniel Stith of Battleboro and Tyler Batchelor of Coopers. Back row: Brian Paul Mutzabaugh Jr. of Whitakers, Tyler Massengale of Salem, Jesse Strange of West Mount and Dustin Thorne of Red Oak.