DALTON, GA — February 7th —The City of Dalton Fire Department announced that firemen Austin Payne and Logan Bickford successfully completed the Georgia Smoke Diver Program as part of Class 68. Payne was assigned Georgia Smoke Diver number 1233, while Bickford received number 1235.

The Georgia Smoke Diver Program is widely regarded as one of the most rigorous firefighter training programs in the nation. The course puts participants through hard physical training, problem-solving activities, and realistic fireground situations that test endurance, collaboration, and decision-making under duress. Department officials said the accomplishment reflects Payne and Bickford’s dedication, discipline, and commitment to professional development