The city of Palm Coast's firefighters are now beginning new positions, as many were promoted Thursday in a special ceremony.

  • 21 members of the Palm Coast Fire Department got pins for promotions
  • New captains, engineers, lieutenants and battalion chiefs
  • Part of new rank system designed to retain personnel, prepare city for the future

Dave Faust has worked hard to get his promotion.

"A lot of math, a lot of training, a lot of muscle memory," said the Palm Coast Fire Department engineer.

After all the tests and starting as a volunteer firefighter, he's worked his way up to engineer.

"It feels good, it's a sense of accomplishment to be able to get this far, put all this time in and to get promoted in that position, take charge of my vehicle," said Faust.

He's one of the 21 members of the fire department who received pins for their promotions, surrounded by their families and friends Thursday.

"They've taken written tests, practical exams, interviews, role playing and they came out in their respective positions for the job titles," said Chief Mike Beadle.

Beadle was honored to welcome the new captains, new engineers, new lieutenants and battalion chiefs.

"We believe strongly in education and getting that educational background, the certifications to take over the department," he said. "Somebody ran it before I got here and somebody's got to run it after. We just want to make sure that everybody's ready to do that."

It's also a part of their new rank system that's designed to retain the personnel in the city and prepare for retirements in a few years.

The chief believes the city will one day be left in good hands.

"You don't just go right to the top, but you've got to pay your dues along the way, and hit the right ranks out in your time, climb the ladder," said Faust.

"To be there in a room with all my brothers getting pinned, that's the greatest thing in the world," added Faust.

The city said the new positions also come with a 5 percent raise.