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“It’s important for us to celebrate our wins,” Miller said. “We don’t always feel successful, even though we try our best.”
The new recruits will start on Sunday, serving alongside veteran members of Springfield Fire.
They have spent the last 10 weeks completing their certification as firefighters, said Miller. Their training included hands-on experience working with fire companies, Miller said. “They’re fully functional and ready to go.”
Jake Becker, one of the new recruits, said that he’s wanted to be a firefighter since high school.
For him, the best parts of the job are helping others and “working together as a team with people who have the same passion and same motivation,” he said.
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Becker will begin his first shift on Monday. “I’m very excited to start,” he said.
At the ceremony, the division also recognized several firefighters for their accomplishments.
Will Lawson was named Apprentice of the Year; Tim Beekman was honored as Firefighter/Paramedic of the Year; and Jim Whipp was recognized as Officer of the Year.
Vince McCoy was awarded the Rotary Service Above Self Award Ribbon.
Russ Adamson and Chad McKee were commended because a patient reached out to show appreciation for their assistance.
Other firefighters were recognized for a variety of efforts, including helping a patient in full cardiac arrest, handling vehicle accidents involving entrapment, making a water rescue, assisting in the search for an elderly man and for using their own time to make improvements to a station house.
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