CHARLESTON, W.Va.– A new class of 16 firefighters received their certifications in firefighting and emergency medical technician training from the Charleston Fire Department on Friday.
Dozens of family members, friends and colleagues gathered at Charleston City Hall to watch the men receive their certifications, and Lt. Matt Lanham said that the department is grateful to have these men joining their force.
“It’s a huge addition; we’ve been running short-staffed,” he said. “This is bringing us back to our normal manpower that we’re supposed to have.”
The group began training 19 weeks ago with Lanham and Capt. Patrick Coles and each week brought something new to the men.
At the beginning of their training, the recruits put on their full gear and breathing apparatuses and had to go through physical testing that prepares them for what will be encountered in the line of duty. Weeks later, recruits began working in fire and smoke and learned how to work inside of a burning building or room.
Lanham said it’s a long 19 weeks for the men.
“It’s pretty rigorous,” he said. “We actually had recruits in this class that were members at Huntington, South Charleston, Nitro and St. Albans, and they say none of the others compare to Charleston.”
Charleston’s fire department is the largest in the state and has eight stations throughout the city, and Lanham said this additional staff will really help the department and Charleston.
“It’s a great benefit for the citizens of Charleston. We’re putting on a fifth ambulance starting July 1 and many of these men will go to staff that ambulance,” he said.
Lanham said the class had their ups and downs throughout their training, but they worked extremely hard.
“They really exceeded, and they’ve done really well. I see great things in their futures,” he said. “One thing that I can say– they never gave up, and that’s huge.”
Following the ceremony, the newly sworn in firefighters got to celebrate their achievements with family and friends at the Capitol.
Story by Jordyn Johnson