The Noblesville Fire Department welcomed eight new firefighters to the department during a graduation ceremony on June 3 at the Noblesville Schools’ Community Center.
The graduating class includes Lauren Adair, Brittany Bolden, Cort Christy, Blake Deiters, Russell Fisher, Ryan Haboush, Andrew Miller and Lance Taylor.
Joining Recruit Class 09-20 were firefighters Skyler Finnerty and Patrick Bohm, who were unable to have a pinning ceremony when they graduated last year due to COVID-19.
Fire Chief Matt Mitchell gave the following charge to the graduates:
“For 150 years, the people of Noblesville have been able to call us in their time of need. Honor that tradition. You are automatically given trust based on the badges you have earned and now wear – but that doesn’t end today. You have to earn that trust every day. Children will look at you like you are a superhero and parents will treat you like trusted family because of your integrity. When NFD knocks, people open the doors to their homes. They do this with total confidence because they know the professionals are here to help.”
The ceremony included the badge pinning by the graduates’ family members and loved ones, prayers by NFD Pastor Stephen Schultze, remarks from Mitchell and class representative Andrew Miller, and the oath of office given by Mayor Chris Jensen.
“Public safety is a top priority for the City of Noblesville and one of the four pillars of my administration,” Jensen said. “We are excited to have these new firefighters as part of our Noblesville community and wish them long, safe and successful careers. They will meet members of our community on their worst day, but I know they will be professional, compassionate and provide the best care possible and keep our residents and businesses as safe as possible.”
Hamilton County Firefighters Local 4416 President Tony Murray served as emcee of the ceremony to his fellow Noblesville firefighters. Division Chiefs John O’Neal and James Macky oversaw the recruitment class.
The recruit academy lasts approximately 22 weeks. The first 15 weeks are devoted to gaining certification at Firefighter level I, II, hazardous materials and technical rescue – swift water, extrication, emergency vehicle operations, and prevention. The remaining seven weeks involved training as an emergency medical technician at the basic level.
The new firefighters will complete a probationary year, before being promoted to pipemen.
(Front row, from left) Andrew Miller, Patrick Bohm, Lauren Adair, Brittany Bolden, and Lance Taylor. (Back row, from left) Fire Chief Matt Mitchell, Skyler Finnerty, Blake Deiters, Cort Christy, Ryan Haboush, Russell Fisher, and Mayor Chris Jensen. (Photo provided by City of Noblesville)