City officials, family and friends gathered Oct. 9 to recognize and celebrate new, promoted and retired firefighters at the graduation and recognition ceremony hosted by the Fayetteville Fire Department (FFD).  

“Tonight, we are celebrating new beginnings, promotions, retirements and those recognized for exemplary service and heroism,” Fire Chief Kevin Dove stated during the ceremony. “For whatever the recognition, we owe every person being recognized our gratitude.” 

From a written exam to a physical ability test and six-months of fire and EMS training, 24 new recruits have successfully graduated from Fayetteville’s Fire Academy and taken their oath to serve.  

Ryan Sampson, a new member of the FFD was presented with the Honor Graduate of the class. This award is presented to the recruit that is well-rounded and demonstrates the city’s core values.  

There were 11 firefighters recognized for their promotions and four retirements.   

After the badges were pinned on the new recruits and those who were promoted, Chief Dove and members of his senior team presented awards recognizing the lifesaving actions of several firefighters during a structure fire response in January of 2025.  

The Gold Lifesaving Award was presented to Captain Thomas Farrell. This award is presented to an employee of the FFD who saves a life while facing personal danger without creating additional hazardous risk.  

The Silver Lifesaving Award was presented to Lieutenant Aaron Hagen, Jeffery Horne and Jeremiah Williams for their key roles in saving someone’s life through their actions.  

Lastly, the Unit Citation Award was presented to Engine 3C unit, Captain Jason Bass, Joshua Sherpinskas and Luke Potter for working together and providing commendable services while at the scene of a fire or emergency.  

This ceremony took place at Cape Fear Valley Health’s Center for Medical Education & Neuroscience Institute.