Fire Academy Graduates 29th Class

January 10, 2012

Earl Barwick was Valedictorian of Fire Academy class #29

Eighteen (18) recruits graduated after completing about 325 hours of training and now are members of the Fire/EMS “brotherhood and sisterhood”. These recruits have earned the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Firefighter I and II certifications.

The Valedictorian of this 29th class was G. Earl Barwick, who is assigned to Station #7 (Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department). He finished with a Grade Point Average of 98.5. P. Eddie Modlin, also of Mechanicsville Station #7, was recognized as the Honor Graduate.

Also graduating were: Charles D. DeNoewer II and Logan A. Stanley of Station #1 (Ashland); Jeff A. Males of Station #2 (Beaverdam); David J. Baker and Tom H. Thornton Jr. of Station #3 (Eastern Hanover); David A. Clowser and S. Lee Rose of Station #6 (Henry); R. Shane Feineis and Tiffany R. Gerau of Station #7 (Mechanicsville); John M. “Clay” Swartz of Station #9 (Rockville); and Ryan S. Socha and Matthew R. Walder of Station #11 (Farrington). Also graduating were Jamie L. Hamby of New Kent and Alexander S. Williams of Goochland.

The Fire Academy curriculum represents 15 weeks of technical and leadership studies combined with physically demanding and rigorous hands-on exercises. Firefighter I and II certifications allow firefighters to respond to emergency calls and engage fire suppression activity. This level of training is among the basic requirements for firefighters, volunteer or career, in the Commonwealth.

Chief Tommy Hicks of New Kent Fire and Rescue was the ceremony’s keynote speaker. A Hanover native, Hicks told of beginning his career in Hanover and urged the new Fire/EMS personnel to continually improve themselves.

“Your training actually begins today,” Hicks said. “Things are constantly changing and evolving and it is so important to have the knowledge base to respond.”

Eddie Modlin was the class's honor graduate

Hanover Fire-EMS is a combination system of volunteer and career personnel. Dedicated volunteers are needed and welcomed. For information on how to join and serve, call Cris Leonard, Volunteer Membership Coordinator, at (804) 365-6195.