Sandusky fire hires 2, promotes 1

SANDUSKY — Sandusky fire recently welcomed two new firefighters and promoted a first responder during a recent public meeting in which each went through swearing-in ceremonies: Cory Allen Allen lives in Parma and is a firefighter/paramedic. He worked for LifeCare EMS and the Elyria Township Fire Department before joining the Sandusky Fire Department. He and his girlfriend are expecting a daughter soon. When he is not working, he enjoys woodworking, fishing and anything outdoors. "We would like to congratulate him on his new career and welcome him to the city of Sandusky," Sandusky fire Chief Mario D'Amico said. Marquis Bates Jr. Bates lives in Sandusky and is a Sandusky High School graduate. He's scheduled to pursue paramedic training at the Ohio Fire Academy in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. Bates worked for Ventra in Margaretta Township prior to joining the Sandusky Fire Department. He and his fiancée have two sons, ages 2 and 3. When he is not working, he enjoys working out at the Adrenaline Academy in Sandusky. "We would like to congratulate Marquis on his new career and welcome him to the city of Sandusky," D'Amico said. Lt. Dustin Hammons Now a lieutenant, Hammons has been a member with Sandusky fire since March 6, 2008. He takes the lieutenant spot from Robert Bott, who recently retired. Hammons resides in Willard with his wife and three children. He was a lead medic on his shift for 12 years, maintaining the department's emergency medical services supplies. He is also member of the department's dive team. Hammons "has shown great leadership in training newer recruits throughout his career and has served many times as acting lieutenant, honing his skills for this current promotion," D'Amico said. He is no stranger to being a leader. "Dustin is the president of Willard city school board of education and the Holiday Lakes homeowners association," said D'Amico, noting he'll be assigned to work for a shift overseen by fire Capt. Matt Lesch. "Lt. Hammons has been a great asset to Sandusky Fire Department thus far in his career, and there is no doubt that he will continue to be a great asset as he moves forward in his new leadership role as a lieutenant," D'Amico said. "Congratulations Lt. Hammons.