Senior Firefighters “Light Up the Stage” With Achievement

Twelfth graders, Walker Davidson, Matthew McGiboney, Ryan Haney, and Luke Meredith completed their firefighter pathway. These students were guests at the Fire/CNA Graduation on May 6th.
​by Ansleigh Hester and Ari Carreon

Twelfth graders, Walker Davidson, Matthew McGiboney, Ryan Haney, and Luke Meredith completed their firefighter pathway. These students were guests at the Fire/CNA Graduation on May 6th. The community will be forever changed once these graduates start their service for Walton County. 

Walker Davidson
WGHS Senior, Walker Davidson, shares his insight on how he achieved a certification to be a firefighter, “Passing all my different certifications was awesome, especially my last one. I’d never been more stressed about anything in my life, and it was awesome to finish finally,” Davidson explains. 

After graduation, he immediately plans to start the hiring process with Walton County Fire Rescue. Davidson mentions, “I think the Work Base Fire Internship is one of a kind. It allowed kids interested in the fire service to get a glimpse of what it’s like to be a firefighter.” 

His family was the biggest support system for him. His girlfriend, Aniston Thompson, has encouraged him through the certification process. 

“Being a firefighter is more than just going and putting out fires. It means being willing to put your life at risk for someone else. That’s always been something that I wanted to be a part of,” Davidson concludes. 

Luke Meredith 
WGHS Senior, Luke Meredith, says his drive to become a firefighter started from an early age. “I have always wanted to be a firefighter since I was a little kid. The big red trucks and putting out fires always excited me,” Meredith says. 

His dedication to the Work Base Learning Fire Program helped him earn his certificate. “I think the firefighter program is amazing. The class is super fun, and it can provide you with a lifelong career right out of high school,” he says. 

While training in this program, he has made lasting friendships. “I barely knew these guys [Ryan, Walker, Stephen, and Matt] before the class, but now they are my best friends [even brothers],” Meredith states. 

After high school, Meredith made the decision to serve his country in the Marine Corps instead of becoming a firefighter. Even though he won’t be a firefighter, his dedication to the program will be remembered. 

Mrs. Lisa Head 
Mrs. Head said, “Some students are already planning to work for Walton County, while others decided to move on for different reasons. But the job is still there if they ever decide to join the fire battalion.” They are officially firefighters, so it’s possible for them to get a job right after high school. These students are trained to learn first aid, fire rescue, and how to suppress a fire.

In order to become a firefighter you need to complete three certifications required by the state of Georgia. Mrs. Head states, “These students worked hard to receive their firefighter first and second certifications. Including their Hazard material certification.” These certifications are needed to help them achieve their goal of becoming a firefighter. 


These students worked hard to receive their certificates from this program. WGHS hopes for the best for these students and their firefighter careers. Congratulations to these students and their accomplishments.