1/26/19 Athens Fire Department Swear-In by Jessica Payne

As part of a long Firefighting tradition, firefighters present their family and loved ones with a single red rose as a “thank you” for their support at the Athens Fire and Rescue Swearing in Ceremony that took place at the Texan. The special event took place on Saturday, January 26 where Athens Mayor the Honorable Monte Montgomery swore in the Fire Chief, Assistant Chief, Fire Marshal, Captains, Lieutenants and Firefighters. (Jessica T. Payne/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Presenting of Colors was performed at the opening of the Athens Fire and Rescue Swearing in Ceremony on Saturday, January 26. The event took place at the Texan on Palestine. (Jessica T. Payne/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Firefighters stand for the National Anthem at the Athens Fire and Rescue Swearing In Ceremony. The event took place on Saturday, January 26 at The Texan. (Jessica T. Payne/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Athens Mayor the Honorable Monte Montgomery addresses the crowd at the Athens Fire and Rescue Swearing in Ceremony on Saturday, January 26. The Honorable Monte Montgomery went on to swear in the Fire Chief, Assistant Chief, Fire Marshal, Captains, Lieutenants and Firefighters. (Jessica T. Payne/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Athens Fire Chief Russell Marshall was sworn in during the Athens Fire and Rescue Swearing In Ceremony on Saturday, January 26. The special event was held at the Texan where the Assistant Fire Chief, Fire Marshal, Captains, Lieutenants and all Firefigthers were also sworn in. (Jessica T. Payne/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Athens Fire Chief Russell Marshall performs the Ceremonial Passage at the Athens Fire and Rescue Swearing in Ceremony. The event, which took place at The Texan, highlighted the deep tradition of the department and its commitment to the community. (Jessica T. Payne/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Family members attend the Athens Fire and Rescue Swearing in Ceremony on Saturday, January 26. The special event took place at The Texan where Athen’s Mayor the Honorable Monte Montgomery swore in Fire Chief Russell Marshall, Assistant Fire Chief Paul Crayton along with the Fire Marshal, Captains, Lieutenants and all Firefighters. (Jessica T. Payne/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Firefighters wait to be sworn in at the Athens Fire and Rescue Swearing in Ceremony on Saturday, January 26. Personnel to be sworn in were Captains Chad Burks, Richard DeShazo and Chris Womble; Lieutenants Brian Davie and Greg Phillips; and Firefighters Jordon Bien, Gary Brown, Jeremy Glover, Jeremy Heddin, Brian Horton, Brian Manry, Justin Miller, Destry Sills, Lance West, Brock Bozeman, Michael Brown, Ricky Harris, Travis Henderson, Gene Lattis, Hunter Manry, Aaron Munn, Brian Tyler and Clint Wiggins. (Jessica T. Payne/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Assistant Fire Chief Paul Crayton is sworn in at the Athens Fire and Rescue Swearing in Ceremony on Saturday, January 26. The event took place at The Texan where Athens Mayor the Honorable Monte Montgomery swore in the Fire Personnel. (Jessica T. Payne/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Assistant Fire Chief Paul Crayton is pinned by his wife during the Athens Fire and Rescue Swearing in Ceremony on Saturday, January 26. The special event took place at the Texan on Palestine. (Jessica T. Payne/Tyler Morning Telegraph)