Fishers Fire Department welcomed seven new firefighters to the status of “Probationary Firefighter” after completing 26 weeks of recruit school. Coming from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, this group, along with a recruit from Decatur Township Fire Department, had to quickly meld together into a team to successfully complete this grueling program.
Recruits completed EMT certification, fire school and special operations. Because the department is an “All Hazards” department, recruits have to come out of class prepared to integrate and perform with seasoned counterparts. While there continues to be on-the-job training (for all firefighters), there is a minimum ability required to hit the streets for emergencies. These seven firefighters met those requirements and have excelled in their performance.
A celebration and ceremony occurred in front of family, friends and peers on Thursday evening in city hall, where Mayor Scott Fadness gave them the “Oath of Office.” Because this job incorporates the individual’s family into the firefighting family, a meaningful part of the ceremony is the pinning of the badge. The recruit invites someone of special meaning in their lives to assist them with pinning on the badge for the first time. This moment is one of emotion, sometime humorous and often dangerous.
Probationary firefighters have been placed on shifts and will continue their training “on the job.”