On April 25, 2003 the Clayton County Fire Department's promotional process for the rank of Lieutenant began. After a very difficult written examination was administered, candidates for promotion had to participate in an equally challenging two part assessment center, consisting of a supervisor / subordinate role play and an incident command scenario.

In all, sixty candidates holding the rank of either Master Firefighter or Sergeant participated in the process. All candidates had to successfully complete a five week Officer Candidate School in order to qualify to take the examination.

After the examination process was complete twenty-seven candidates scored high enough to be judged "Qualified for Promotion". The names of those individuals were placed on a promotional roster, which will remain in effect for two years or until exhausted.

With so many qualified candidates and only twelve present openings the decision of who to promote was not easy. However, after carefully considering the six criteria stipulated by department promotional policy I am very confident that the twelve selected will do an outstanding job.

I want to extend my personal thanks to all who participated in the process, your efforts heightened healthy competition which makes our department better.

And to the newly promoted, Congratulations!  Your Achievement is noteworthy and deserving of recognition.  May you all have a long and successful career.

Your Clayton County Fire Chief,

Alex S. Cohilas