The Noblesville Fire Department recently welcomed three new firefighters during a graduation ceremony at the Noblesville Schools’ Community Center. The graduating class included Joseph Bertka, Logan Kinsey and Kyle Lippott.
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,” Mitchell said. “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.”
(From left) Joseph Bertka, Logan Kinsey and Kyle Lippott take the Oath of Office given by Public Safety Director Chad Knecht during their Noblesville Fire Department graduation ceremony on Sept. 3. (Photo provided by Noblesville Fire Department)
The ceremony included the badge pinning by the graduates’ family members and loved ones, prayers by NFD Pastor Fritz Good, remarks from Mitchell, and the oath of office given by Public Safety Director Chad Knecht. Hamilton County Firefighters Local 4416 President Tony Murray served as emcee of the ceremony. Division Chiefs John O’Neal and James Macky oversaw the recruitment class.
“Every time we welcome a graduating class to the Noblesville Fire Department, we are furthering our overall goal of increasing public safety by providing the best fire protection possible for our residents and the community,” said Mayor Chris Jensen. “I want to congratulate Joseph, Logan and Kyle to our Noblesville family and wish them long, safe and successful careers.”
Noblesville partnered with Zionsville Fire Department for the graduation ceremony as the group attended the fire academy together. Zionsville graduates were Jeremy Anker and Anthony Ammerman, who served as the class representative. Garry Stutzman was unable to complete the academy due to an injury and will finish with their next class. Zionsville Fire will hold a pinning ceremony for their graduates at a later date.
The recruit academy lasts approximately 22 weeks; 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.