Written by Amanda Coers – The Brownwood Fire Department promoted nine of their members during a ceremony held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 1st, in the Depot Civic Center. Fire Chief Eddy Wood gave a welcome address, explaining the promotion process and thanking the city for its support of the department.

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“This year during our budget process we created three new lieutenant positions,” Chief Wood explained. “I give credit to the council and the city for investing in what we’re doing.”

The recent promotions were set into motion by the retirement of Captain Woodcox. The promotional process consists of a book list selected for each rank. Candidates must pass a promotional exam based on the required reading. Once the written test has been administered, candidates must then pass an assessment of skills, and finally a physical. Candidates with the highest scores were ultimately selected for the promotion. The Brownwood Fire Department is comprised of a chief, assistant chief, administrative assistant, fire marshal, three captains, nine drivers, and 13 firefighters.

Fire Marshal Buddy Preston read the bios of each firefighter as their selected family members and Chief Wood pinned their new ranks.

First to be promoted was Lieutenant Ronald Groom to Captain. Groom began his career at Brownwood Fire Rescue on September 25, 2006. He was promoted to Driver on November 16, 2011, and promoted to Lieutenant on September 4, 2014. Captain Groom was pinned by his wife, Buddie.

The next four promotions were for the Lieutenant rank.

• Justin Posey began his career with Brownwood Fire Rescue on April 5, 2005. He was promoted to Driver on July 3, 2008. Posey’s wife, Krissy, was present to pin his Lieutenant badge.
• Jody Horton began his career with Brownwood Fire Rescue on February 4, 2002. He was promoted to Driver on April 9, 2012. Horton’s wife, Sarah, was present to pin his Lieutenant badge.
• Chad Hill began his career with Brownwood Fire Rescue on March 10, 2006. He was promoted to Driver on March 27, 2008. Hill’s wife, Carla, was present to pin his Lieutenant badge. Lieutenant Chad Hill is also the Fire Chief for the Early Volunteer Fire Department.
• Justin Prince began his career with Brownwood Fire Rescue on January 27, 2012. He was promoted to Driver on September 5, 2014. Prince’s father, Captain Ricky Prince, was present to pin his Lieutenant badge.

Four firefighters were then promoted to the rank of Driver Engineer.

• John Cadenhead has been with Brownwood Fire Rescue since January 22, 2013. Cadenhead’s fiancé, Abby Day, was present to pin his badge.
• Blake Guthery has been with Brownwood Fire Rescue since November 13, 2006. Guthery’s wife, Jennifer, was present to pin his badge.
• John Hendrix has been with Brownwood Fire Rescue since May 7, 2013. Hendrix’s wife, Cara, and his father, Deputy Chief Steve Hendrix, were both present to pin his badge.
• Phillipe Foix has been with Brownwood Fire Rescue since June 2, 2015. Foix’s wife, Dana, was present to pin his badge.

Once the badges had been pinned, Chief Wood led the newly promoted in the Oath of Office. Afterwards, department members and their families enjoyed light refreshments. Photos from the event can be seen on the Brownwood News Facebook Page.