Cy-Fair Fire Department Recognizes 73 Personnel in Badge Pinning Ceremony
On Thursday, June 1, the Cy-Fair Fire Department held a Badge Pinning Ceremony. In the auditorium of Bridgeland High School, 73 personnel were recognized for being promoted to the ranks of District Chief, Captain, Lieutenant, Driver Operator, Paramedic P2, Paramedic, or Senior Dispatcher, as well as recently hired Fire Fighter/EMTs and Dispatchers.
The Badge Pinning Ceremony is a tradition in the fire service that allows fire fighters and medics to have their family present to be a part of the culmination of months of studying to promote to a higher rank or as they start their career. Such ceremonies are typically held least once per year, depending on the number of new hires and promotions that are needed.
Honorees at the Cy-Fair Fire Department Badge Pinning Ceremony. (Source: Cy-Fair Fire Department)
Cy-Fair Fire Department 2023 Cadet Class (Source: Cy-Fair Fire Department)"The general public is usually not aware of the sacrifices and commitment it takes to enter the fire service and to promote within the service is even more stressing. Doing this as a career comes with a lot of responsibility and an even greater one when you promote to higher ranks. You are tasked with the safety of the community and the personnel you are over and this requires countless hours of training and education," said Cy-Fair Fire Department Lieutenant Eddie Cruz.
The Cy-Fair Fire Department Master of Ceremonies, Assistant Chief of EMS Justin Reed, had the honor of conducting the ceremony. He Presented the Cy-Fair Fire Department Honor Guard with the presentation of flags, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. An opening prayer was given by Associate Pastor Moe Malugen of Community of Faith, followed by remarks honoring these members was given by our Harris County Emergency Services District No. 9 President, Naressa MacKinnon. Following her remarks, recognized members were called on stage and their family and friends were allowed to pin their promoted badge on them. Cy-Fair Fire Department Chief of Operations, Brent Scalise, recited The Oath of Commitment as each member pledged their commitment to the community and the department. The ceremony concluded with refreshments in the lobby.
Cy-Fair Fire Department Chief of Operations, Brent Scalise, during his recitation of The Oat of Commitment. (Source: Cy-Fair Fire Department)
