A long-time member of the Centralia Fire Department has retired, leading to two promotions. In addition, two new firefighters were sworn in during a ceremony at Centralia City Hall on Monday.
Captain Wesley Castang retired on Friday ending a 25-year career. He was in charge of the department’s Respiratory Protection Program, Monitors, and Pre Fire Inspections. Fire Chief John Lynch says he was a very active and dedicated member of the department and his retirement will definitely leave a void.
Lieutenant Chad Gormann has been promoted to Captain to replace Castang. Gormann has been on the department for over 19 years. As a lieutenant, he was in charge of tracking dangerous structures, basic firefighter training, and scheduling large facility tours. Gormann also assisted in organizing and teaching the two large multi-agency live-fire training days held by the Centralia Fire Department.
Firefighter James Andrew Sneddon is being promoted to Lieutenant. He joined the Centralia Department in September 2000 after starting his emergency services career with the Bukner Fire Department in 1985. He moved to the Benton Fire Department in 1988 where he served until moving to Centralia.
Two new firefighters were also sworn in during the Monday ceremony.
Carter Hulsey began his career with the Kinmundy-Alma Fire Department in February 2017 where he served as a firefighter/EMT. He has also been employed by Clay County Hospital as an EMT since March 31st. Hulsey has already completed the Basic Firefighter Academy and EMT training required in the probationary period of new firefighters so he will begin assignment on February 9th.
Joshua Derick of Irvington has no prior fire department experience and will attend the Illinois Fire Service Academy starting February 28th for seven weeks to be followed by three weeks to complete the required certifications to be a firefighter. Derick previously worked at Fed Ex.
Retiring Fire Captain Wesley Castang (left) with Fire Chief John Lynch.
