January 17, 2026 —Firefighters from across central Georgia gathered at Baldwin County Fire Rescue Headquarters on Saturday to participate in a National Professional Qualifications (NPQ) Evaluator course hosted in partnership with the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council (GFSTC). Sixteen firefighters representing Baldwin County, Warner Robins, Monroe County, and the City of Eatonton completed the intensive class, which was instructed by Randy Loyd of GFSTC. The training focused on the proper and ethical methods of conducting skills evaluations used to certify firefighters, ensuring consistency, fairness, and statewide standards in the certification process. All participants successfully passed the course and earned their NPQ Evaluator credentials, strengthening regional capabilities in firefighter training and assessment. Baldwin County Fire Rescue recognized the dedication of its staff members who completed the course, emphasizing the department’s continued commitment to professional development, high training standards, and interagency collaboration.