With family members, friends and fellow firefighters looking on, several Citrus County Fire Rescue firefighters were promoted at a recent ceremony at the Lecanto Government Building.

The ceremony opened with an honor guard presenting the colors. Chief of Training Greg Ellis welcomed the audience to the ceremony and introduced Chaplain Gary Evans for the Invocation and then Commissioner Jimmie T. Smith had words of praise for their achievement.

Fire Chief Craig Stevens then addressed the audience about the new responsibilities the promoted members will face in the future and how the Citrus County community looks to them for their trust and expertise every day. “Their training and experience shows the dedication these firefighters have for the citizens of Citrus County.” said Chief Stevens.

One by one firefighters stood at attention as a new badge and collar pins were attached by family members or friends to their uniforms to denote their new position within the department.

The ceremony concluded with Chief Stevens thanking firefighters and family members for their dedication to each other, the fire service and to Citrus County.

Photo Caption: Citrus County Fire Chief Craig Stevens (far right) administers the oath of office prior to promoting members of Citrus County Fire Rescue at a recent ceremony at the Lecanto Government Building. (From left to right) Firefighters Manuel Martinez, Kelly Seiferheld and Jose Dorta were promoted to Driver Engineers, Lieutenant Anthony Sequin was promoted to Captain, Captain Robert Bessler was promoted to Battalion Chief, making him the newest member on the Fire Rescue Command Staff. Battalion Chief Keith Long was promoted to the position of Deputy Chief.