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Atoka swears in two firefighters from volunteer ranks, veteran hires
Summary
Atoka swore in Hunter Elmworth, promoted from volunteer to full-time firefighter, and Austin Ellis, a five-year veteran of the Memphis Fire Department, at the Feb. 18 meeting.
The Town of Atoka formally swore in two firefighters during its Feb. 18 Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting.
Mayor Barry Aiken administered the oath to new members of the Atoka Fire Department. Hunter Elmworth, who joined the department in March of last year as a volunteer reserve and later was hired full time, and Austin Ellis, who joined the department in December after five years with the Memphis Fire Department and service in the National Guard, were recognized and took the department oath.
Chief Scott and other department leaders praised both new hires for bringing experience and dedication. Staff noted that Elmworth’s path from volunteer reserve to full-time firefighter is an example of the department using its volunteer program as a recruitment pipeline for full-time positions.
Austin Ellis told the board that after five years with Memphis, the move to Atoka represented a welcome change and a good fit given the town’s department needs. The board and attendees congratulated both men and posed for photographs following the oath.
The swearing-in was part of a broader personnel and recognition segment of the meeting that included the town’s acknowledgment of new staff joining public safety roles.
