The Burton Fire District held a ceremony recently promoting seven of its members to new ranks including a new officer.

[caption id="attachment_7509" align="alignleft" width="150"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/News-Burton-Fire-District_Promotions_071012.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-7509" title="News-Burton Fire District_Promotions_071012" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/News-Burton-Fire-District_Promotions_071012-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a> Engineer Justin Blankenship (left) receives his promotion to lieutenant from Burton Fire Chief Harry Rountree.[/caption]

Firefighter Justin Blankenship was promoted from Engineer to Lieutenant and will now serve as an engine company officer. Lieutenant Blankenship is a ten year veteran of the Burton Fire District and has been decorated for actions on the emergency scene as well as assisting with the Blue Angle’s crash.
Firefighter II Brandon Thompson, Andrew Wright, Jedidiah Huth, Chad Coates, Kahn Sejour, and Matthew Pennington were promoted to their current rank. All firefighters were required to pass both written and practical examinations that met both local and national standards’ for firefighting.
“We are proud of all the newly promoted firefighters,” said Burton Fire Chief Harry Rountree. “The demands on our personnel are growing with increased emergency calls along with the dynamics of those calls which involve everything from medical situations to hazardous materials. Our promotional process is very demanding to ensure our personnel can meet those challenges for those we serve. Great job to all!”