Lexington Fire Department graduates 18 new fire lieutenants

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ)- The Lexington Fire Department celebrates the graduation of 18 new fire lieutenants Friday.

This is the department’s fifth class of graduates to complete the five-week training program in preparation for new roles in the department. 

Lieutenants are front-line supervisors, usually in charge of a fire truck and two firefighters.

Fire Captain Joey Harris says, “The department is responding to more emergency calls than ever and having well-trained leaders ensures that they are providing the best possible services to families in Fayette County.”

The Fire Department says lieutenants are the first supervisor to arrive at most emergencies, which can be anything from a heart attack to a warehouse fire.

Fire Chief Kristin Chilton says lieutenants have to “be able to operate autonomously and efficiently in the first few minutes to ensure a positive result.”

All of the officers will rejoin their crews starting Monday better prepared for their new positions.

New Lieutenants in order of promotion
Lt. Jon Turner
Lt. Steve McCrum
Lt. Richard Harris
Lt. Jessica Bowman
Lt. Brad Ault
Lt. Morgan Klingshirn
Lt. Wes Watts
Lt. Justin Dee
Lt. Billy McIntosh
Lt. Maquel Johnson
Lt. Anthony Johnson
Lt. Joe Sexton
Lt. Curtis Manning
Lt. Sam Baumgartner
Lt. Mark Hawkins
Lt. Corey Calloway
Firefighter Josh Dollins
Firefighter Matt Wood