Byron Fire Department Brings on New Firefighters with Grant

BYRON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Byron Fire Department is expanding thanks to a national grant. The department hired six new firefighters.

Byron Baptist Church is down the street from the fire department and this week they celebrated heroes.

Friday, they honored the brand new firemen, a fitting opportunity to introduce the community to the men dedicate so much to keep them safe.

Nicholas Hulette is one of six new full-time firefighters at the Byron Fire Department.

Ever since he was a little kid, he has wanted to fight fires.

“This is what I wanted to do this is my dream job, it’s all worth it to me,” Hulette said,

The Fire Department recently received almost $500,000 in grant money from FEMA to bring in Hulette and five others.

The Eastman native was a volunteer in Dodge County and says sticking with it got it to this point.

“Basically if your heart is not in it, it’s not going to be the job for you…it takes long hours a lot of hard work, but if it’s what you want to do then go for it,” Hulette said.

Friday, the Agape Way Daycare Center at Byron Baptist Church wrapped up “Heroes Week” celebrating public servants.

Veteran firefighter Dan Varga says it’s an opportunity for the new team to meet the community.

“This gives them the opportunity to really see what the community of Byron is really all about and what we can offer folks and what they can offer the citizens of Byron,” Varga said.

Hulette calls the group a new brotherhood and says working together as one has its perks.

He wants to impact the county and keep them safe.

“I just hope that I can be the best firefighter and public servant for the community and I’m here to help people and that’s what I want to do and that’s what I love to do,” Hulette said.

Varga says the department will still rely on volunteers.