GRAND ISLAND — Four 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, Jan. 16.
The four recruits, Corey Lewis, Carson Munster, Kyler Kaping and Dalton Chastain, recently completed a 12-week recruit academy, where they achieved an EMT certification and completed firefighter and hazmat training, said GIFD Captain Logan Watts.
“It signifies a new beginning,” Watts said, “This is them getting to the next checkpoint. It signifies the end of their training and that they are ready to join the (fire department’s) ranks.”
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.
Escorted by a GIFD pickup and followed by a fire engine, the recruits marched the roughly one-mile path to Grand Island City Hall.
Watts said the ruck march isn’t necessary an end point but just a step along the way to a new starting point.
Watts said the four recruits completed the four weeks of the EMS academy, in addition to the firefighter and hazmat certifications. He also noted the recruits got plenty of hands-on experience.
The GIFD training focuses on, “the probabilities, not the possibilities,” Watt said. He also noted that it is important for line fireman all the way up to the chief that everyone gives, “100 percent of what they have.”
With the four new recruits completing the training, there are now only two vacancies on the GIFD, Watts said. He said applications are open and they will be hiring a new class and there will be another ruck march in the future for those new recruits.
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.
“This highlights the dedication and sacrifice of our Grand Island Fire Department,” Steele said of the ruck march, “Its an honor to stand here among these courageous individuals who embody the best of our city.”
Steele welcomed the recruits to the GIFD and said they will continue a proud tradition of professionalism, bravery and service.
“Its no small thing to make such a promise,” Steele said of the firefighter’s pledge to put service above self.
“I want you to know the people of Grand Island are profoundly grateful for your commitment and your promise, as am I,” Steele said, “The people of Grand Island respect you, respect your uniform and respect your calling to service.”
“Let this ruck serve as a reminder of the journey each of you undertake in your service,” Steele said.
