MIDWAY — It was a quiet first day, for the most part, for Midway’s new fire department.

The department was given the go-ahead to begin answering calls Tuesday at 8 a.m., after the Georgia Fire Standards and Training Council lifted its suspension July 31.

“Today is a big day for the City of Midway,” said Mayor pro tem Dr. Clemontine Washington, the fire department’s liaison to the council.

“It’s a great day in Midway, and a great day in Liberty County,” said county commission Chairman Donald Lovette. “We are proud of your accomplishments, your Herculean job.”

The city had its certification from the GFSTC suspended in March. The city had an all-volunteer department but is now moving to a full-time, paid department.

With the city’s certificate suspended, the county fire services took on handling calls in Midway’s coverage area.

“What a great day for Liberty County, especially on the east end,” said county Commissioner Marion Stevens. “This is the closure of an era and the beginning of a new chapter.”

Stevens, whose district covers Midway, is also a former Midway fire fighter.

“Council member Washington, you fight hard,” he said. “I wouldn’t want to fight against you.”

While the county covered Midway’s calls in the interim, Hinesville’s department also helped get Midway’s new recruits trained, Midway Chief Craig Reynolds pointed out. Chief Reynolds thanked the Liberty County and Hinesville departments for their help in getting Midway’s running.

The department’s roster, once almost virtually depleted, is now up to nine, with three full-time fire fighters and six parttime personnel.

Midway’s department had two older trucks that belonged to the county and also were in need of repair. The department has two new trucks and a third one, a tanker, is on order, Washington said.

“I am extremely happy,” she said. “They said it couldn’t be done. But it was done. I feel if you get the right people working with you and you work together, you can accomplish anything.”

“It’s been a long road,” said Mayor Levern Clancy. “Some nights I didn’t go to sleep thinking about the Midway Fire Department.

It’s just a proud day for me and the citizens of Midway and all of Liberty County.”

Washington was jubilant when the GFSTC voted unanimously to lift Midway’s suspension at its July 31 meeting.

“I love to dance,” she said. “So I jumped up and started to dance.”

Midway’s fire fighters also will have a renovated station in a few months, as work is expected to begin later this month to improve their home. They had pump and driver training on their first day back as an official department.

“And we’re still hiring,” Washington said.