Left to right: Javi Beltran, Vince Leibert, Blake Schmer and Ryan Ardiana are sworn in into service with Hastings Fire and Rescue, (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
HASTINGS — Hastings Fire and Rescue held a badge pinning ceremony for new firefighters and officers during the afternoon of Tuesday, Aug. 12.
The ceremony was held at Station Two on the south side of Hastings and the event was started by an invitation offered by Chaplain Eddie Goff.
Chief Troy Vorderstrasse welcomed the public and family members and said that a badge pinning either marks the start of a firefighter’s career or marks a promotion.
Hastings Mayor Jay Beckby thanked those who were joining Hastings Fire and Rescue and said they were making a sacrifice for their community. He also thanked the family members for their support of their loved ones who are called out at all hours of the day to face unknown situations.
There were three academy class members and one new firefighter/EMT joining Hastings Fire and Rescue, these included Ryan Ardiana, Javi Beltran, Blake Schmer and Vince Leibert.
Ardiana has lived in Hastings with his wife of four years, Gina. He was with the Airborne Infantry and is a US Army veteran of 12 years.
Beltran currently lives in Lincoln, but is a McCook native. His wife Mallory and him have two children, Joaquin and Violet.
Schmer has been an EMT for three years, volunteering with Sutton Fire And Rescue. He has worked as a part-time EMT at Hastings Fire and Rescue for nearly two years before the academy and has recently earned his paramedic license through Central Community College.
Leibert has prior firefighter service with the Lexington Volunteer Fire Department and now serves full-time Hastings Fire and Rescue. He and his wife Jennifer have six children.
Joseph Hermann was promoted to Lieutenant.
Herman started in the emergency service field in January of 2006 with Hastings Rural Fire Department. He studied fire science at Southeast Community College where he obtained his EMT. From 2008-2012 he worked at rural metro and obtained his paramedic license in 2012.
Herman has served with Hastings Fire and Rescue since 2012. Herman and his wife of 15 years, Lexi, have three children.
Ben Erie was also promoted to Captain during the ceremony.
Erie earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of Nebraska and also has an associate degree in fire protection technology from Southeast Community College. He started with Hastings Fire and Rescue in 2006.
