Seven Vicksburg firefighters were recognized Wednesday during a promotion ceremony at the Ardis T. Williams Sr. Auditorium.

Three firefighters, Joshua Howard, Wade Gilliland and Nathaniel Nichols were each promoted to lieutenant while Reginald Galloway, Joseph Rusche, JaBaris McDaniel and Joshua Gordon received captain’s insignias.

Howard and Nichols joined the fire department in 2018, while Gilliland joined in 2017. Among the captains, Galloway and McDaniel each joined the fire department in 2016. Rusche joined in 2008 and Gordon in 2013.

Lieutenants in the fire department are the second officer on the trucks and drive the fire trucks on calls. The captains manage the stations and the crews.

“The men and women who make up the Vicksburg Fire Department are some of the bravest, respectful members in our community,” Fire Chief Derrick Stamps said. “When called upon, in routine fashion, they always show up and exceed expectations — the real one call, that’s all organization.”

He quoted former Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi that leaders are made are not born and are made by hard effort, which is the price everyone pays to achieve the goal that is worthwhile.

“That’s why we’re here celebrating these seven public servants that have advanced their career to the next level,” Stamps said. “They have exemplified loyalty, dedication and more importantly the willpower to serve his community.”

And the officers are expected to respond to more than structure fires.

“They are expected to respond and act in all emergencies from hazardous waste spills to motor vehicle accidents and medical calls in our community,” he said, adding Vicksburg firefighters are trained to handle different emergencies.

“We have gathered here to honor your commitment to service and to take on additional responsibilities.