The Bella Vista Fire Department recognized three new captains -- Brian Lasiter, Leon Lieutard and Jason Bowman -- during a Thursday event.
Several firefighters and their families gathered at the recently-built Station 4 to recognize the trio of captains. Their wives, Savannah Lassiter, Chrystal Lieutard and Amber Bowman, pinned new brass to their shirts.
While the three have already been working as captains since the first of the year, Fire Chief Steve Sims said, this was the official recognition of their new ranks.
These promotions, Sims said, were to fill spaces left by previous fire captains who no longer work for the department.
Battalion Chief Jim Johnson said the process for promoting to captain is no small affair. The department starts by generating a list of those eligible, based on total years in the fire service, as well as their years with Bella Vista.
There's a written exam, he said, plus oral interviews. This year, the potential captains interviewed with two captains and two chiefs from Bentonville, Rogers, Springdale and Eureka Springs. They also interviewed with battalion chiefs in Bella Vista.
After all that, he said, the top three were chosen.
"And I think we got three good ones," Johnson said.
Lasiter said he was excited.
"It feels great," he said. "It's exciting, it's going to be a challenge."
He's tried out for the position three or four times, and it is not an easy job to push for, he said. This is the second time, he said, the department has had interviews with outside personnel, which is somewhat nerve wracking.
But he's glad, he said, to get the promotion and the responsibilities it entails.
"I love it, seriously," he said. "It's a fun position, it's something different."
Bowman said he is looking forward to doing good work, and he hopes to live up to everyone's expectations.
"For the most part," he said, "It's been a smooth transition."
Lieutard said that, while it is a challenge, he is excited and eager to fill his new role.
"I like to get out and help serve the guys," he said, "to make sure they have everything they need to feel adequately prepared and confident to do their job."
His wife said she's confident he'll do excellent work, and she believes the department is a very positive work space for him.
His work actually helps his family life, she said, because their three daughters get to see him more during his longer stints at home. These are almost like a vacation, she said.
"We are very proud of him," she said. "He's wanted to be a firefighter his whole life. He's going to do a great job."
General News on 02/08/2017