The St. John’s Regional Fire Department welcomed 11 new firefighter recruits during a special ceremony yesterday afternoon.
The recruits were marched into the Central Fire Station at 2:00 p.m. Friday afternoon and were issued their helmets.
Fire Chief Sherry Colford welcomes the recruits to the department.@VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/5jRyPMemKH
— Noah Sheppard (@SheppardNoah14) June 18, 2021
Platoon Chief Dean Foley called it a great day, as he was able to watch his daughter, Tara Foley, follow in his footsteps.
Foley says he was delighted to have the chance to hand his daughter her helmet.
Recruit James Melindy, the former captain of the Newfoundland Growlers, says the camaraderie in firefighting was a big draw for him.
Melindy says it took a long time for him to figure out what he wanted to do when transitioning away from hockey. However, he says the brotherhood and sisterhood of the fire department drew on his passion to help people.
Local IAFF President Craig Smith says some recruits have applied numerous occasions, which shows determination.@VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/HssoHEVA7w
— Noah Sheppard (@SheppardNoah14) June 18, 2021
The St. John’s Regional Fire Department also has some new wheels on the road this week.
Yesterday, the department retired their old Rescue 4 vehicle.
They say that vehicle has been in service for 10 years and in that time has responded to over 10,000 calls.
All equipment has been swapped out, and the new Rescue 4 is now in service.
