There was something special about a group of firefighters hired by the city on May 10, 1995. Of the 17 firefighters who joined the department on that date, seven of them still remain, with six being recognized Monday for reaching a significant milestone in their career.

Monday, six members of the Vicksburg Fire Department were recognized for by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen for their 25 years of service to the city and its residents.

The six who were honored Monday include Vicksburg Fire Chief Craig Danczyk, Capt. Sam Brocato, Lt. Joe Graham, Firefighter John Brewer, Capt. Daryl “DC” Collins and Capt. Richard Wilson.

“Our group was outstanding and most made a career out of it and became officers,” Danczyk said. He said technically seven of the class remain with the department, adding that Capt. Michael Puckett worked in fire prevention for 14 months before joining the department. Danczyk said his anniversary date is March 1994. “Our group has a magnetic brotherhood relationship.”

Other members of that group hired in May 1995 also include Richard Hanks who recently retired from the Clinton Fire Department and Joey Lee, who retired from the Jackson Fire Department. It also included Capt. Shane Quimby, Capt. Clarence Maxey and Lt. Tim Andress, who have all retired from the Vicksburg Fire Department.

“You take seven left out of 17 after 25 years and that is extraordinary,” Danczyk said.