WMFD promotes a pair

WMFD promotes a pair

Bullard, Story receive recognition in special ceremony

news@theeveningtimes.com

Moving on up! The West Memphis Fire Department promoted two during Monday morning ceremonies in front of family, fellow firefighters and a parking bay full of well-wishers. Landon Bullard and Taylor Story were promoted to Firefighter-Paramedic.

Chief pulled the pair from other training to mark the achievements at the station on 7th Street, nicknamed The Rock. Before presiding over the honors, the chief noted the new podium made from the top rungs of the old ladder truck named in honor of the late Fire Chief Mac Holmes.

“They were going to scrap the old truck out and asked us if we wanted anything off of it,” said Gately. “Former Chief Eddie Spears had it sand-blasted at no charge.”

Several associated with the fire department had a hand in building the frames and fleshing it out with diamond plate and an official decal. It along with Old Glory made for a more formal setting than in the past.

“It looks like the president is coming,” said Gately.

“Thank you all for being here today to support these guys about to be promoted.”

Gately listed the attributes needed to be an effective fire fighter and paramedic.

“It takes a special person to do this job; someone that loves people,” said Gately.

The chief focused on the step into the paramedic service for the two.

“I’ve been on crash scenes, car upside down or rolled on its side, multiple cars all kind of ways, Sometimes people hurt sometimes serious,” said Gately. “Paramedics climb into these cars to help these people before the car is even safe? It’s these guys right here. They go in to help, when they could be injured themselves.”

Gately addressed the honorees standing for promotion.

“Daily they protect life and property,” said Gately.

“Today’s promotional ceremonies honor the achievements of these everyday heroes. They will serve the citizens of West Memphis.

These firefighters embody the core values of the fire service, integrity, honor, pride, respect, valor, dedication, self-sacrifice, commitment, compassion and being a team player. They have met all training requirements. They exemplify the best the fire department has to offer the citizens of West Memphis.” Gately called each one forward and read the formal promotion out before family members pinned new rank insignias on the uniform lapels and posed for photos.

The medical training paid off for each in moving up to paramedic status.

Bullard accepted his promotion to paramedic and his assignment to ‘C’ shift unit 14.

Story took a “B” shift assignment and pledged to maintain the equipment in a state of readiness at all times.

By John Rech