By Okon Ekpenyong

In a momentous celebration, 42 men and two women proudly took the oath of office during the Columbus Division of Fire’s 121st Recruit Class Commencement Ceremony. This milestone marked a significant moment in their journey to serve and protect the community.

Notably, 17 of the 44 recruits come from families with a tradition of public service, showcasing a diverse and inclusive legacy of dedication and bravery.

Firefighter Reese Brock proudly carries on his family’s legacy by joining the Columbus Fire Department, following in the footsteps of his two brothers and cousins. Similarly, Jared Croswell comes from a lineage of firefighters, with his father and brother actively working in the field while his uncle has retired.

Together, they form a strong network of dedication to firefighting within their families, a tradition that binds them and the entire firefighting community.

Captain Timothy Boyd, a member of the recruit training team, kicked off the ceremony, followed by an invocation from Firefighter/Division Chaplain Joe Zarbaugh. Captain Boyd recalled instructing the recruits to trust the process over the next 32 weeks, and now, 707 days later, they’re graduating with a solid grasp of effort, attitude, and respect—qualities nurtured by the community they’ll serve.

Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther highlighted the Division’s crucial role in the city’s development: “The thriving, growing, and dynamic city we are today is in part due to the Columbus Division of Fire. You are now a part of this proud and rich historical tradition.”

City Council President Shannon Hardin addressed the graduates with a message of support, acknowledging their bravery and dedication.

As Captain Boyd read aloud the graduates’ names at the Dr. Ned Pettus Jr. Fire Academy, the attendees erupted into applause. After taking their oath of office and receiving certification and remarks from Division Chief Jeffrey Happ, Captain Boyd invited Timothy Greiner, the graduate class speaker.

Greiner summed up the importance of trusting the process and thanked his class for their commitment.

Captain Boyd presented three achievement awards: Bas Pray from Pataskala received the Physicality award, Erica Mauder was recognized for outstanding academic achievement with a GPA of 98.62, and Christopher Rismiller received the Brandon O’Keith Not Ordinary Man Award for exemplifying unwavering determination, compassion, and leadership.

The 44 graduates will now begin their service in firehouses throughout Columbus and nearby cities, carrying a commitment to serve, a mission focused on prevention, and a strong team spirit.

Seventeen of these new graduates continue a family legacy in the fire service, embodying the enduring spirit of first responders.

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