Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Columbus swears in 42 new firefighters after 32-week academy
Summary
The Columbus Division of Fire administered the oath of office to class 1‑21—42 recruits who completed a 32‑week academy—during a December graduation ceremony attended by Mayor Andrew Ginther, City Council President Shannon Harden and other city leaders.
The Columbus Division of Fire on Dec. 25 administered the oath of office to 42 new firefighters from class 1‑21 after they completed a 32‑week recruit academy that began May 13.
Mayor Andrew Ginther told graduates they had “opted instead to run toward [danger] to serve our neighbors,” praising their commitment and saying the city will continue investing in “technology, training, and resources so that you go home safely to your family.”
City Council President Shannon Harden urged the graduates to lead with “compassion and empathy,” adding that when residents are at their most vulnerable “they don't call city hall. They call you.” Council Member Emmanuel Ramey, who serves as chair of the council's public safety committee, also congratulated the class and said the city is committed to providing training and equipment to ensure firefighters’ safety and effectiveness.
Captain Tim Boyd, recruit training officer for the Columbus Division of Fire, told the class that the academy required effort, attitude and respect, and that recruits had endured “hundreds of hours of fire and EMS training” to prepare for service across the city. Fire Chief Jeffrey Happ called the ceremony the start of careers that will require “heart, compassion, and unwavering dedication to service.”
Deputy Safety Director Dan Gian Gardella administered the oath of office; the recruits repeated the statutory language to support the U.S. Constitution, Ohio law, the laws and ordinances of the City of Columbus and the rules and regulations of the Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire. The oath included a statement that recruits would not affiliate with a defined hate group. After the oath, instructors and city officials presented certificates and individual awards to graduating recruits.
Class speaker Firefighter Timothy Griner urged his classmates to keep learning, maintain standards and look out for one another, closing his remarks with the class motto: “Class 1‑21, go get it done.” Training staff recognized top performers: Firefighter Prey received the highest physical performance award; Firefighter Mater earned the academic award with a reported GPA of 98.62. The class also received a Brandon O'Keefe “Not An Ordinary Man” award, given to a recruit who demonstrated determination, compassion and leadership.
The ceremony included an invocation and benediction from fire chaplains and remarks recognizing long‑tenured staff; Deputy Director Dan Gian Gardella was acknowledged for more than 40 years of service and was noted as retiring. The event closed with the recruits’ firefighter first salute and dismissal.
Names of graduates were read aloud during the ceremony; among those sworn in were Owen Atkins, Nathan Alshabani, Reese Brock, Jared Croswell, Corey Kelly, Morgan Dearman II, Logan Gilbert, Jacob James, Justin Giamarino, Christopher Grissmiller, and Nathan Seaberry. (A full list of the 42 graduates was read at the ceremony.)
The city described the graduates as joining the Columbus Division of Fire and noted some recruits came from outside Ohio and that nearly a third of the class were legacy firefighters with family members in the division. No formal votes or ordinance actions occurred at the event; the gathering was a ceremonial swearing‑in and recognition of academy completion.
