33 Macon-Bibb firefighters promoted after exodus of officers

former Northeast High School track star Brenda Cliette Thomas is now a trailblazer in the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department.

Thursday morning she became the first female chief in the department’s history.

“I’m thankful for this opportunity. I’m thankful for the ladies before me,” said Thomas, a 25-year veteran of the department. “They were the brave ones that let people like me know there was an opportunity, and here we are today.”

Thomas is the new fire prevention director and replaces Larry Smallwood, who retired last year as one of 55 long-serving firefighters who took advantage of the county’s early incentive package.

For months, dozens of tenured firefighters have been anxiously awaiting this major round of promotions.

Fire Chief Marvin Riggins nearly replaced his entire command staff as 33 firefighters and their families gathered in the truck bay at the department’s headquarters to celebrate taking their careers to the next level.

Firefighters took promotions tests last fall, and new assignments were released earlier this week.

Riggins announced some interim assignments at last year’s retirement ceremony but indicated he wanted to test out the candidates who are filling some large boots when it comes to firefighting tenure.

“I’m excited about the new leadership,” Riggins said after the ceremony. “They bring a lot of fresh energy and a lot of fresh air to this community.”

In a couple of weeks, nearly 100 other firefighters will be promoted to the ranks of sergeant and lieutenant.

Thursday morning, the truck bays of headquarters were packed with family members who sat for nearly three hours as each new officer was recognized and given a new rank, badges and updated helmet gear.

In an emotional moment, Chandler Parker, son of the late Lt. Randy Parker who was killed in a fire nearly a year ago, pinned Chad Davis with his captain’s brass.

“There’s no doubt if Lt. Parker were still here with us, he’d be standing beside me,” Davis said. “Randy and I were really close.”

Fifteen years ago when Davis joined the department, he never dreamed he could attain the captain’s rank in such a short time.

“A lot of young guys are going to be filling this position,” said Davis, 38.

The youngest “firefighter” in the room, 2-year-old Landen Howell, was wearing a turnout coat and helmet as his grandfather was promoted to captain.

“He loves that gear,” Capt. Dexter Lawson said of his grandson, who jumped at the chance to wear it to the ceremony.

“I’m wearing my gear like Ga-Ga,” the boy said.

Lawson, known as Ga-Ga to Landen, said he got his grandson outfitted as a surprise for the boy’s father, Eric Howell, when he became a Warner Robins firefighter.

In addition to Howell, Lawson’s brother, uncle, cousin and brother-in-law are all firefighters.

He was pleased to have so many relatives with him to celebrate.

“Family is what this department is about, and family is what I’m about,” Lawson said.

Riggins encouraged the officers to keep learning to be better as they mark this milestone.

“It’s more important to be respected than to be popular,” Riggins told them. “You are the people who should set the standards for others to follow. You’re the new day, the beginning of a new era in the history of the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department.”

Promoted to the rank of battalion chief are: James T. Alligood, Ferrell W. Cromer, Shaun J. Hart, Timothy E. Johnson, Ronnie T. Napier and Jeffery S. Sanders.

Rising from lieutenant to captain are: Lonnie J Anderson Jr., Bradley E. Beasley, Mark P. Brennaman, Ronald L. Chancey, Roderick Colvard, Dusty S. Cox, Chad M. Davis, Demeterius G. Ellison, John T. Gibson, John W. Goodwin III, Joseph W. Herndon Sr., Reginald B. Hill, Robert L. Jordan Jr., Edward Dexter Lawson, Akwasi M. Maru, Richard L. Redding, Seaborn Rewis, Michael J. Rumell, Ronald G. Smith, Tyler M. Stembridge, Michael Stone, Mark D. Taylor, Charles R. Tidwell III, Lance W. Trice, Kelvin D. Watson and Michael Williamson.

To contact writer Liz Fabian call 744-4303.

This story was originally published February 4, 2016 at 10:03 AM with the headline "33 Macon-Bibb firefighters promoted after exodus of officers."