Apex Fire Department Academy Graduation and Promotional Ceremony

On Friday, September 11, 2009, the Apex Fire Department hosted its first-ever Recruit Academy graduation ceremony at the Apex Baptist Church on Salem Street near downtown. The 18-week academy, directed by Battalion Chief Lawrence Carter, ran from 5/11/09 - 9/11/09. Captain Jeffrey Maynard, Lieutenant Tom Veasey, and Captain Rebecca Fisher were the academy liasons on each shift. They and several other Apex firefighters, along with some from other agencies, served as instructors for the Firefighter I/II, Hazardous Materials and EMT certifications. Academy #1 graduates included 16 firefighters from Apex, as well as 5 firefighters from Chapel Hill. The Morrisville Fire Department Drum and Pipe Corp and Color Guard kicked off the formal ceremony, and Captain Wilbert Dunn (Raleigh FD Engine 3 ret.) gave the keynote speech. Officials from the Town of Apex as well as the Chapel Hill Fire Department rounded out the guests of honor.

In addition to the academy graduates, recently promoted employees were also recognized. Family and friends were called up for both groups to participate in the badge pinning ceremony and swearing in, officiated by Town Clerk Georgia Evangelist.