MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – The South Lake County Fire Protection District is welcoming 16 new volunteer firefighters into its ranks.
All of the recruits started the process to become firefighters last fall and have dedicated hundreds of hours to training.
The district reported that this was the largest academy class for South Lake County Fire in the past 10 years.
The new volunteer firefighters were officially welcomed on Aug. 21 with a badge pinning ceremony that was held at the Middletown fire station.
They received their badges from Division Chief Jim Wright, Volunteer Association President Bill Klebe and District Director Jim Abell.
The new firefighters include Pete McGee, Aodhan O’Ferrell, Todd Fenk, Nick Shandel, Corey Hense, Matt McCabe, Matt Breland, Aaron Rill, Robert Taylor, Frank Amante, Aaron Brisbi, Byran Atkins, Josh Dixon, Steve Franklin, Brandon Juntz and Erik Vogel.
All of the volunteers have jobs, families, and other responsibilities besides unselfishly serving their community day and night 365 days a year. They are a necessary and valuable part of the department.
Anyone interested in becoming a paid call firefighter may contact South Lake County Fire Protection District at 707-987-3089, Extension 5, or come into the main station located at 21095 Highway 175, Middletown.