A proud young Colton Palmer shows off his dad’s fireman’s hat. Mack Palmer (right) was pinned as a Lieutenant in the Habersham County Emergency Services on Jan. 17, 2020. He and Colton are joined by Mack’s father, Bruce Palmer. (Daniel Purcell/Now Habersham)
Habersham County Emergency Services (HCES) is starting out the new year with a new tradition; the department held its first Badge Pinning Ceremony on Friday, Jan. 17.
“It’s about recognizing them for what they’ve done…I think that’s a tradition worth continuing.”
The ceremony recognizes new hires and promotions. HCES recognized eleven employees during its inaugural ceremony.
Habersham County Emergency Services Director Chad Black says badge pinning ceremonies are standard in most public safety departments. Prior to Friday, Habersham County had never held one. Black says he felt it was time that they did.
“It’s about recognizing them for what they’ve done,” says Black.”To get people to take pride in the organization. I think that’s a tradition worth continuing.”
Four of the HCES personnel recognized on Friday were recently promoted. The others had never had the opportunity to participate in a badge pinning.
The ceremony was held at the Ruby C. Fulbright Aquatic Center in Clarkesville. Some family members attended.
During his remarks, Habersham County Fire Chief Jeff Cain referred to family members as “part of our extended Emergency Services Family.” He acknowledged them for the “very important role” they play in their loved ones’ careers.
Black intends to make this type of public recognition for county public safety personnel standard. The department will hold future badge pinning ceremonies when staff members are hired and promoted.
(click photos to enlarge and scroll through)
Monica Dean pins a lieutenant’s badge onto her fiancé Joseph Deal’s uniform. Lieutenant Deal has served 10 years as a firefighter, 3 with Habersham County. (Daniel Purcell/Now Habersham)
Cecelia Fields pins a lieutenant’s badge onto the uniform of her father, Brandon Fields. Lt. Fields has served 18 years as a firefighter and has been with Habersham County since April 15, 2018. In addition to his daughter, Lt. Fields’ wife Megan, daughter Hollis, mother Bobbie Lynn, and aunt and uncle Peggy and Russell James attended the ceremony. (Daniel Purcell/Now Habersham)
Bruce Palmer pins a lieutenant’s badge onto the uniform of his son, Mack Palmer. Lieutenant Palmer has been a firefighter for 12 years and has served 14 months in Habersham County. Lt. Palmer’s wife Skyler, son Colton, and brothers James and Eric Palmer also attended the ceremony. (Daniel Purcell/Now Habersham)
HCES Lieutenants Palmer, Fields, and Deal take the HCES oath during their pinning ceremony in Clarkesville on Jan. 17, 2020. (Daniel Purcell/Now Habersham)
Habersham County Emergency Services Director Chad Black pins a captain’s badge onto the uniform of Michael Alexander. Capt. Alexander has served in public safety in Habersham County for more than 32 years. (Daniel Purcell/Now Habersham)
Habersham County Emergency Services Director Chad Black pins a captain’s badge onto the uniform of Doug Caudell. Capt. Caudell has served in public safety in Habersham County for over 36 years. (Daniel Purcell/Now Habersham)
Habersham County Emergency Services Director Chad Black pins a captain’s badge onto the uniform of Bill Ramsey. Capt. Ramsey has served in public safety in Habersham County for over 36 years. (Daniel Purcell/Now Habersham)
Pictured L-R: HCES Captains Ramsey, Caudell, and Alexander take the HCES oath during their pinning ceremony in Clarkesville on Jan. 17, 2020. (Daniel Purcell/Now Habersham)
Sharon Adams pins a captain’s badge onto the uniform of her husband Jeff Adams. Capt. Adams has been in public safety for 28 years. (Daniel Purcell/Now Habersham)
Capt. Jeff Adams takes the HCES oath during his badge pinning ceremony in Clarkesville on Jan. 17, 2020. (Daniel Purcell/Now Habersham)
Melissa Garrett pins a battalion chief’s badge onto the uniform of her husband Jason Garrett. Battalion Chief Garrett has served in public safety for 26 years, 20 in Habersham County. His daughter McKinlee and mother-in-law Terri Cheek also attended the ceremony. (Daniel Purcell/Now Habersham)
April Ruark pins a battalion chief’s badge onto the uniform of her husband Matt Ruark. Battalion Chief Ruark has served 18 years in public safety in Habersham County. His daughter Teagen also attended the ceremony. (Daniel Purcell/Now Habersham)
Jenny McNally pins a battalion chief’s badge onto the uniform of her husband Dwight McNally. Battalion Chief McNally has spent 18 years in public service, 17 with Habersham County. (Daniel Purcell/Now Habersham)
Pictured L-R: HCES Battalion Chiefs Dwight McNally, Matt Ruark, and Jason Garrett take the HCES oath during their badge pinning ceremony in Clarkesville on Jan. 17, 2020. (Daniel Purcell/Now Habersham)
Tinnelle Davey pins an assistant chief’s badge onto the uniform of her husband Jason Davey. Asst. Chief Davey has served in public safety for 27 years, 20 with Habersham County. (Daniel Purcell/Now Habersham)
Assistant Chief Jason Davey takes the HCES oath during his badge pinning ceremony in Clarkesville on Jan. 17, 2020. (Daniel Purcell/Now Habersham)
