02/07/2020

Noblesville Fire welcomed 12 new firefighters to the department during a graduation ceremony tonight at City Hall. The graduating class included John Sage, Tim LaFever, Erik Scheub, Zach Griffey, Alex Casselman, Patrick Perry, Connor Kohl, Bradley Nelson, Brian Carter, Lars Werner, Christopher Poynter and Stephanie Yoder.

Fire Chief Matt Mitchell gave the following charge to the graduates, “For nearly 150 years the people of Noblesville have been able to call us in their time of need. Honor that tradition. You are automatically given trust based on the badges you have earned and now wear. But that doesn’t end today. You have to earn that trust everyday Children will look at you like you are a superhero and parents will treat you like trusted family because of your integrity. When NFD knocks, people open the doors to their homes. They do this with total confidence because they know, the professionals are here to help,”

The ceremony included the badge pinning by the graduates’ family members and loved ones; prayers by NFD Pastor Stephen Schultze; remarks from Mitchell and class representative Alex Casselman; and the oath of office given by Mayor Chris Jensen.

Hamilton County Firefighters Local 4416 President Tony Murray served as emcee of the ceremony to his fellow Noblesville firefighters. Division Chiefs John O’Neal and James Macky oversaw the recruitment class.

“Public safety is a top priority for the City of Noblesville and one of the four pillars of my administration. Continuing to grow our outstanding fire and police departments is imperative to ensure our residents and businesses are as safe as possible,” said Jensen. “We are excited to have these new firefighters as part of our Noblesville community and wish them long and successful careers.”

The recruit academy lasts approximately 22 weeks. The first 15 weeks are devoted to gaining certification at Firefighter level I, II, hazardous materials and technical rescue – swift water, extrication, emergency vehicle operations, and prevention. The remaining seven weeks involved training as an emergency medical technician at the basic level.

The new firefighters will complete a probationary year, before being promoted to pipemen.