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The Alabama Fire College Firefighter Bridge Program certified four new members of that honored profession during ceremonies held Friday, July 11, 2025, at Brookside Baptist Church.

The comprehensive five-week program of the Alabama Fire College features classes taught by instructors and utilizing facilities of the Oxford Fire Department. The program allows those holding volunteer certifications to evolve into the full rank of firefighter.

Honored for their achievement were Zyon Bishop and Donovan Rutledge of the Oxford Fire Department, and Brantley Burk and William Rockett of the Montevallo Fire Department.

“This program has been around since 2007,” said Oxford Fire Chief Gary Sparks. “Oxford Fire put seven people in that first program when we began to hire full-time firefighters. It’s been a great program that was first designed for volunteers. In 2016, we started having the high school program, which was perfect for this. After completing the high school program, they could take the Bridge program and would be fully certified firefighters. It’s been a great help just in this area. Our department, as well as others in the county, has benefited greatly. There are currently 11 firefighters in our department who went through the high school and bridge programs.”

Mayor Alton Craft added his congratulations to the new firefighters, admonishing them to “do your job to the best of your ability.”

“Over the years, I have seen what firemen do,” Craft said. “Some of these fires are catastrophic, and the most vivid thing in my mind is 9/11.  I remember that so many first responders died that day – most of them firemen. I remember when everyone was coming down from those buildings, the firemen were going up into them. That’s what first responders do. They risk their lives for somebody like me. Thank you to the new cadets, and be the greatest you can be.”

Remarks were also given by Reid Vaughn, Section Chief of Regional Services at the Alabama Fire College and Cuba Fire Department, and Oxford Fire Capt. Brandon Slick, who serves as the department’s training officer.

Slick was joined by Oxford Fire Lt. Jordan Hayes and Oxford Firefighter Cole Macoy in presenting the new firefighters with their certificates and pins, which were attached to their shirts by selected family members.