Firefighters with the Silverhill Volunteer Fire Department were presented with certificates Monday night for certifications with the Alabama Fire College InState Volunteer Emergency Services Training. The firefighters received all of their basic certifications, which includes first responder, volunteer firefighter and hazardous materials awareness and operations certifications and many had started on intermediate certifications, which include Firefighter II, Fire Instructor I, Fire Officer I, Fire Department Safety Officer and Apparatus Operator certifications. Advanced certifications include Fire Instructor II, Live Burn Instructor and EMT Basic or four pool certification courses and 20 hours of pool non-certification courses. Master certification includes introduction to technical rescue and paramedic license with one pool certification course; intermediate license with two pool certification courses; or seven pool certifications. “My hats off to these volunteer firefighters, most of whom have another job, and even two jobs and somehow find the time to balance that will all they are required to do as a firefighter,” said Tim Blakemore with the Alabama Fire College, who presented the certificates on Monday. “They are not heroes. They are tools of God to make people’s lives better.” Mayor Tim Wilson commended those in attendance and others who give their time volunteering with the fire department. “We don’t say it enough, but we really appreciate what you do.” Those receiving certifications Monday are (pictured in no order) Lisa Spencer, George Waters, James Morton, Michael Steele, Anna Spencer, Josh Rice, (not pictured) Assistant Chief Ken Lewis and Capt. Allen Jerkins. (Photo courtesy Kim Wasdin/Five Oh Originals Photography)