York City firefighter Joseph Gilbert honored as department’s first Georgia Smoke Diver graduate

The presenter at York City’s 2026 promotion and awards ceremony introduced Firefighter Joseph Gilbert and read a formal commendation saying that in February 2026 "you became the first member of the York City Department of Fire Rescue Services to complete that program and only the second in the state of Pennsylvania." The department awarded Gilbert a letter of commendation and gave him special permission to wear the Georgia Smoke Diver graduate patch on his turnout gear.

The Georgia Smoke Diver course is a 6‑day, 60‑hour program designed for experienced firefighters to advance skills in rescue and survival, search and rescue, thermal imaging, emergency procedures, leadership and decision‑making. The presenter described the program as physically demanding and mentally taxing and framed Gilbert’s completion as "an extraordinary achievement" for the department.

Gilbert’s recognition was one of 28 presented at the ceremony. Mayor Sandy Walker praised Gilbert’s commitment and cited the achievement as an example that "elevate[s] the department and inspire[s] so many others." The ceremony also included promotions, unit and chief’s commendations related to a December 26, 2025 structure fire on Edison Street.