At Williamson’s City Council meeting Thursday, a local firefighter confirmed his dedication to the fire department.

Stephen Casey, 27, of Williamson, was sworn in by Mayor Darrin McCormick, after he fulfilled a year probation period with the department.

Casey has been around the fire service all his life with his father Mike Casey, who is also a Williamson firefighter as well as Mingo County’s medical examiner.

McCormick stated he was proud to administer the oath because although it was just a formality, it meant much more.

“I am thrilled that there is a large crowd here tonight because this oath honors the decision that Stephen has made to make this his lifetime career to protect and serve the community,” said McCormick.

Casey had worked in construction work previously, but he knew he was born to be a firefighter.

“I love this job, and I feel like I was born for this position,” he said. “I don’t think you can teach someone to be a firefighter, I feel you are born being one.”

Although he was born and raised here, in the ninth grade Stephen Casey moved to Florida, where his mother Wilma Hatfield — of St. Pete’s Beach — resides. He graduated from Lakeland High School, located in Lakeland Fla.

Casey also has a fiance, Rebecca Hunt, and he will be making the firefighter’s oath on October 23.