Seven new firefighters and
one new Public Education Officer will be officially introduced at this week's
Fire Commissioners meeting set for Thursday, July 18 at 4:00 p.m. at the
department's Training and Maintenance Facility.
Most of the "new" faces are
already familiar faces to department members, as six of the seven firefighters
have been with the department as dispatchers or resident firefighters.
Dean Fuller, Patrick Heier,
Jim Hugo, Mike Lawson, and Tony Parise are former dispatchers who have been with
the department for several years. Anthony John had been a resident firefighter
for four and a half years.
When the department
transferred to a new communications center earlier this year, positions were
eliminated, giving the dispatchers an opportunity to become firefighters. The
five named above, plus a former dispatch supervisor, Gene Beasley, became
firefighters. Beasley was injured in the spring academy, but is scheduled to
attend the next academy in September.
Firefighter Robert Bryant
and Public Education Officer Monica Colby have also taken their places among the
department. This is Bryant's first firefighting job. Colby brings nearly four
years of experience as a Public Education Officer. She was formerly with the
Sandy City Fire Department near Salt Lake City, Utah.
"We are extremely proud of
the newest members of our department," said Al Church, Fire Chief. "The
contributions they will make will continue to strengthen the service we provide
to the Federal Way community."
Already, the firefighters
have distinguished themselves among the ranks. Tony Parise placed first in the
academy, earning Class Valedictorian. Patrick Heier served as Class President as
also earned the Most Improved award. Anthony John and Robert Bryant were named
to the Chief's Company, a prestigious honor among firefighters, difficult to
attain.
Monica Colby, who started on
July 1, was one of the first fire educators in Utah to be recognized as a Public
Fire and Life Safety Educator I and brings extensive experience in citizen
emergency preparation and CPR training. She is excited to begin working with the
residents in Federal Way to reduce the number of injuries and fires in the area.
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