CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA — The Charleston Fire Department recognized the promotions of several fire department employees at a ceremony held Feb. 28, in Charleston.  The event was attended by families, friends and co-workers of the firefighters. Keynote speaker was Charleston Mayor Joseph Riley, and handing out the certificates and badges was Fire Chief Karan Black.

Former Haywood County resident Ryan Hall was among those receiving promotion to captain. Hall was a 2000 Tuscola High School graduate, and has been with the Charleston department for 10 years. As a senior in high school, he joined the Junaluska Fire Department.  After graduation from Tuscola, he attended Haywood Community College and A-B Technical College.

Inspired by the events of Sept. 11, 2001, Hall chose to attend the SC ...