For the Cedartown Fire Department, 2005 was a year that saw many changes.

Cedartown Fire Chief Sammy Stephens recently took a look back at the year to explain the changes that took place within the department, which included retirements, transfers, promotions, and hiring.

Stephens explained that the first to retire this year was the former Cedartown Fire Chief Kenneth Roberts. Next was Ricky Sorrells, the former captain.

Transferred, he said, was Firefighter Bill Ferrell, who moved to the Building Official Department. Being promoted, Ricky Sorrells was the first to receive his new title as captain, prior to retirement. Following was Norman Smith who was promoted to lieutenant. Darrell Stephens and Scott Jackson were both promoted to captain while Kevin Waters and Felix White received promotions of lieutenants.

Fulfilling a newly created position as battalion chief, Lee Wilkerson now oversees all training and training records for the department.

Filling vacancies left by retirees and promoted employees, four new personnel were hired, Stephens stated. Lance Green was the first to be hired after the retirement of former Chief, Roberts. Hired next was Jeremy Manning, who took the place of the transferred Bill Ferrell. Robert Garmen and Steve Smith, both transfers from other departments within the city, were last to be hired to fill the positions left by retiree, Sorrells, and the promotion of Wilkerson.

Despite all the changes, Stephens said that firefigters stayed busy with emergency calls.

“This year was very active with emergency call volumes being just over 100 per month, encompassing a range from medical emergencies to structural fires,” he said.

“We assisted victims of wrecks, gas leaks, downed power lines, car fires, children locked in vehicles, as well as other various emergencies that occur within this area. We also taught fire safety to children of Cedartown’s primary grade schools.”

“I would also like to express my appreciation to all of the firemen at the Cedartown Fire Department for their dependable service and professional performance.”

Stephens also expressed his thanks to city officials for their support.

“I would like to express my gratitude to the citizens of Cedartown, city commission, and city manager for their support in the year 2005.”

As 2006 quickly approaches, Stephens said that he expects the same level of performance from his department in the coming year.

“The dedication and hard work put into this year will overflow into the year 2006 as we commit to providing [citizens] with timely and professional services.”

“It is my desire to provide to you, the citizens of Cedartown, the very best in emergency services. We are here to protect your lives and property, for the present as well as the future.”