Cambridge Fire Department swears in new firefighter and hands out promotions

CAMBRIDGE − It was an emotional scene in the Cambridge City Council chambers as the Cambridge Fire Department swore in a new firefighter, promoted three within the department and received its first fire dog.

The room was packed with nearly 50 people at the busiest swearing-in ceremony to happen in chambers in at least a year. Representatives were on hand from the Cambridge Police Department, the New Concord Fire Department, the Guernsey County Sheriff's Officer, the mayor's office and the Cambridge Fire Department.

Three current members of the department were given promotions and sworn into their new roles. Scott Elliott was sworn in as the new assistant fire chief. Troy S. Helton was promoted to fire captain and Brian Vorhies was promoted to fire engineer. Hunter Sovka was also sworn in as the newest entry-level firefighter for the department. Sovka has previously worked with the Cassell Station Volunteer Fire Department.

"One thing I think Cambridge does extremely well, and today in this room you can feel it and see it, is we support and care. That matters. And in some places of the world that's not necessarily happening," stated Mayor Tom Orr.

After the swearing-in, Fire Chief Jeff Deeks presented each one with their new badge and helmet. The presentation for Fire Captain Helton was especially moving, as the badge he received was the exact one his grandfather wore when he retired as fire captain of the same department years ago.

"These jobs are tough enough if you don't not have the support of their family and friends, I know that these guys all appreciate it," stated Guernsey County Safety Director Rocky Hill. "Something I'm proud of is that we got it accomplished, for once in the history, to be ahead of the game," he added. "We're usually waiting until after there's an opening and it takes weeks, months to finally get through the testing process and get somebody selected and it puts us behind."

The swearing-in began with a history-making event for the city as the mayor swore in Halli, the first official Cambridge Fire Dog. Halli, a rescue from the Guernsey County Dog Shelter, was read her oath and sworn into the department, while capturing the hearts of those in attendance. "These dogs perform a lot of service to keep our people safe, both with police and fire," Orr said.

Deeks closed the ceremony with heartfelt remarks about each individual, reminiscing on Helton's desire for real bananas in his milkshake during their youth, Vorhies' car washing skills, Elliott carrying his baby daughter in her car seat years ago and Sovka's dream to join the Cambridge department. "We have big changes coming at the Cambridge Fire Department over this next year. I think with the help of the people that are coming up through the ranks, they see the need, so we're going to help out the citizens of Cambridge and Cambridge Township out as much as we can," Deeks said.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Jeffersonian: Cambridge Fire Department swears in new firefighter, promotes three