The Town of Milton hired 11 new recruits for the Milton Fire Department last week.
They’re hired on as part-time firefighters.
The Training Captain for the MFD, Matt Townsend, says the hirings are about filling in holes left by departures.
Townsend explains why having part-time firefighters can be valuable.
A lot of businesses and organizations have been impacted negatively by COVID-19.
People are losing their jobs, or are being furloughed, as the pandemic continues.
The Town of Milton’s Fire Department had budgeted for the new hires last year.
Townsend adds that it is possible that COVID-19 could impact the training and hiring process for firefighters moving forward.
However, he says many Fire Departments are currently hiring, so he doesn’t see the job market being affected in that sense.
The 11 recruits completed the 2019 firefighter curriculum and training program.
- Ryan Melanson;
- Taylor Burgess;
- Daniel Kearns;
- Kevin Wouters;
- Jake White;
- Ryan Hassall;
- Eric Loughlin;
- Wayne Moyer;
- Jonathan Wahab;
- Martin Brain;
- Heath Gaskin.
The 11 recruits completed the 2019 firefighter curriculum and training program. During the year-long training program, recruits completed courses in fire chemistry, fire attack, self-contained breathing apparatus, search and rescue, ventilation practices, vehicle extrication, hazardous materials awareness, emergency vehicle operations and emergency patient care. In addition, all recruits passed the requisite written and practical evaluations.
Their graduation ceremony was cancelled due to COVID-19.
“This is the first class to graduate in these uncertain times as we face a pandemic,” says Kevin Foster, Acting Fire Chief. “First responders are on the frontlines protecting our community and these new firefighters are needed more now than ever.
“Each graduate possesses skill sets that will contribute to the overall success of our Department to provide fire protection services to the community. We welcome and recognize their hard work.”
Congratulations to the new firefighters!
