At a ceremony in Alpharetta, the Alpharetta Fire Department recognized a cohort of promotions and new assignments, including Kyle Quackenbush to assistant fire marshal and Eric Hatton to training lieutenant, as department leaders urged the newly promoted to prioritize humility, service and community safety.

The promotions were presented during a public ceremony attended by city leaders and family members. Chief John Robinson told honorees that leadership requires humility and teachability, and urged them to “take care of our community, take care of our people, and make us better.”

The fire marshal’s office portion of the ceremony emphasized prevention as well as response. Jonathan Matysik described inspections, plan review and education as part of “community risk reduction,” and said, “fire codes are born out of failure,” citing past tragedies as drivers of code improvements.

Speakers and colleagues highlighted individual qualifications and service records. Captain Adam Wade, speaking for Kyle Quackenbush, said Quackenbush had built his career on frontline suppression and inspections and praised his preparation for the fire marshal role. Colleagues introduced and pinned the following personnel at the ceremony:

- Kyle Quackenbush — promoted and recognized as assistant fire marshal; pinned by his wife, Stephanie.\n- Eric Hatton — promoted to training lieutenant; pinned by his wife, Amiek, and joined by Easton, Scotland and Sparrow.\n- Duke — introduced as the new training officer (introduced by Lieutenant Jeremy Raichsneider); pinned by his wife, Lauren, and daughter, Mackenzie.\n- Fire apparatus engineers (FAE) promoted: Ryan Bottangino, Ben Grimm, Sam Warnecke, Bobby Wills; each was introduced by a colleague and pinned by family members.

Colleagues described the promoted members’ experience and temperament: Jonathan Caldwell noted Ben Grimm’s medical training and mentoring work; Lieutenant Bruce Hartman praised Ryan Bottangino’s humility and reliability; Captain Nick Marlin and others described Sam Warnecke’s military service, paramedic training and recent SWAT tryout; Captain Kell Hamilton spoke of Bobby Wills’ life experience and commitment to the department.

Operations Chief Brad Decter said the promotions reflect “passion and dedication” and called on the honorees to remain authentic and service-oriented as they assume their new duties. The ceremony closed with an invitation for light refreshments across the hall.

No formal votes or legislative actions were taken during the event; the presentations were ceremonial recognitions and did not record any formal board or council action.