The five new Grand Island Fire Department recruits complete their ruck march to City Hall on Aug. 21, (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
GRAND ISLAND — Five new recruits to the Grand Island Fire Department made the ceremonial ruck march from Fire Station #1 to City Hall during the morning of Thursday, Aug. 21.
The recruits, Jacob Adams, James Hale, Emily Eggar, Kyle Kesterson and Meghan Rose recently completed a 12-week recruit academy, where they achieved an EMT certification and completed firefighter and hazmat training.
In a tradition rather unique to the GIFD, the new recruits donned all of their bunker gear, helmets, breathing apparatus, and each carried something unique; one the American flag, another an axe, another carried a hose pack on their back and the last carried a Halligan bar.
The recruits’ route was west on Fonner Park Road and north on Pine Street to City Hall.
Escorted by a GIFD pickup and followed by a fire engine, the recruits marched the roughly one-mile path to Grand Island City Hall.
The recruits completed the four weeks of the EMS academy, in addition to the firefighter and hazmat certifications. They will now move onto four months of on-the-job training.
As the firefighters neared City Hall, there was a group of city employees, GIFD and Grand Island Police Department members, along with Mayor Roger Steele, who was waiting to greet them.
Mayor Steele formally welcomed the recruits in the city council chambers.
Steele welcomed the recruits to the GIFD and said they will continue a proud tradition of professionalism, bravery and service.
Steele said the firefighters are unique in that they run towards danger and are dedicated to protecting others.
“It’s no small thing to make such a promise,” Steele said of the firefighter’s pledge to put service above self.
He said that among the traits that make a firefighter special, he said their most important is the character they demonstrate when they are wearing their badge or not. “Being a person of exemplary character is what sets you apart,” Steele said.
He said that not only does the fire department wish for these new recruits to succeed, but the city and the community do as well.
Steele also took a moment to thank the family members who will support their firefighters through all of the trials and tribulations that donning the bunker gear brings.
Steele said that the recruits have shown they have the grit and determination to handle this job that can carry its own hardships at times.
In conclusion, Steele welcomed each of the recruits to the City of Grand Island family.