County Fire Welcomes New Firefighter Paramedics

A total of 28 recruits made the transition from cadet to professional firefighter/paramedic last Friday evening following a graduation ceremony for the members of Tower V, County Fire’s recent new-hire training academy. The cadets, each of whom underwent an intense 10-week training program with instruction in firefighting, rescue and EMS, stood as a loved one pinned their newly-earned badge as County Fire staff members, including Fire Chief Mark Hartwig, looked on. Fontana Mayor Acquanetta Warren was among the dignitaries who spoke during the ceremony. She wished the group safe and successful careers, and said the prayers of many were with each of them. The proceedings began with a performance by the San Bernardino County Professional Firefighters Local 935 Pipes and Drums band. The recruits, comprising 27 males and one female, now begin a year-long probationary period as they fan out to station assignments throughout County Fire’s jurisdiction. The group, whose members hail from throughout Southern California, were praised for their dedication and efforts throughout the tower’s training period. The group represents the first batch of new full-time firefighter hires by County Fire in nearly five years, and will help replenish ranks left thin as a number of firefighters have promoted or retired. Following is a list of the new firefighter/paramedics and where they’ll be stationed: Adelanto: James Schiller, Daniel Carmichael, David Pingree Fontana: Nicholas Greenlee, Brandon McGarvey, Mark Howder, David Remery, David Serrano, Jesse Vasquez, Matthew Balteria, Chris Adams-Snape Hesperia: Ben Gradias, Jeremy Castanon, Kerry Crivello Joshua Tree: Richard Huntling, Brandon Miller, Michael Bruce Phelan: George Tom, Jared Kurtz, Kent Meeker Twin Peaks: Brian Bement, Roger Stocker, Scott Albright Victorville: Andrew Banninger, William Carlson Yucca Valley: Russel Warren, Joseph Oehlhof, Landon Pupka