Area News Two Fort Payne Firemen Get Promoted May 8, 2019July 8, 2019 Staff Reporter Ben West & Chief Saferite Eric Middlebrooks & Chief Saferite The Fort Payne Fire Department recently promoted two firemen. Fireman Eric Middlebrooks was promoted to Lieutenant Ben West was promoted to Sergeant. Fort Payne Fire Chief Ron Saferite is pictured congratulating each fireman.