On Saturday, the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District welcomed Academy Class 16-02 to the Fire District after a graduation ceremony at Liberty High School.
The five new Probationary Firefighters include:
- Matthew Greiner
- Cheng Lam
- Arnulfo Vasquez
- Stephen Woods
- Cody Whited
ECCFPD Captain Gil Guerrero stated during the ceremony the guys did a great job and are now firefighters everyday for the rest of their lives.
“You are a firefighter 24/7, 365-days a year. There is a saying to those who have given, much is expected. And that expectation is on you now. Every day, you are on duty,” said Guerrero. “Hold your head high, do the right thing when no one is looking.”
Matthew Greiner, who was the class spokesman, provided a few comments during the ceremony.
“The fire service is about being one giant family and I know I found one here with East Contra Costa,” said Greiner. “It’s crazy looking back 2-months ago when we first came in. A group of five, some with similar backgrounds, some with completely different once meeting for the first time getting ready to set off on an incredible journey together. It’s hard to fathom how quickly this academy went by. Those 8 weeks you know the struggles that will come. Some may say 8-weeks is too short of a time to learn that much.”
Greiner admitted there bodies and minds were pushed to the limit but they all came together.
“One thing I will never forget is Chief Henderson come in on day one giving us his speech and being excited about hiring us. Most importantly telling us he wanted to see us today, at graduation with all of our families and friends looking up at us so proud,” explained Greiner. “If that doesn’t give you the fight and motivation to give it your all. I don’t know what will.”
Battalion Chief Jeff Burris stated the new hires were needed and will bring new energy to the District.
“These five new employees bring excitement and energy to the Fire District and are the newest members of the East Contra Costa Fire District,” said Burris.
3 comments
Hopefully they know that they just got hired by a fire district teetering on the brink of collapse. With the Knightsen station closing in 6 months, what are they thinking?
One more of a string of BAD decisions by the fire board. Thank goodness the fire board members are all short timers and will soon be replaced by elected people.
Hopefully local and state elected will direct funds to keep these new firemen serving east county.
What happened to the last 5 they hired earlier this year? Are we now going through the expense and training to ready firefighters to work for other departments?
This is getting ridiculous! I have a strong feeling we are not getting full disclosure from the fire department.
Comments are closed.