The Chattooga County 2026 Firefighter Recruit Class is being recognized for reaching an important milestone in their training after successfully completing a live burn and passing a key state exam required in the firefighter certification process.

In addition to finishing the live burn portion of training, all five students passed the 100-question state test, a major accomplishment that reflects the time, discipline, and preparation required to move forward in the fire service. The written state exam covers a wide range of core firefighting knowledge, helping ensure recruits understand the principles, procedures, and responsibilities that come with serving on the front lines in emergency situations.

The class was also tested on the skills portion of certification this past Saturday, giving students the opportunity to demonstrate the hands-on abilities needed in real-world firefighting. Together, the written and skills evaluations represent an important part of the process as recruits work to earn their certification and prepare for service in their communities.

Members of this year’s recruit class are Mason Eller, Justin Rogers, Blayden Bradford, James “Dylan” Jones, and James “Jamie” Wilson. Two of the students are part of the inmate fire department at Hays State Prison.

The accomplishment highlights the hard work and commitment shown by each recruit throughout the training process. Completing a live burn, passing the state written exam, and undergoing skills testing are all major steps that require focus, teamwork, and dedication, and this year’s class has given Chattooga County plenty to be proud of.