Five firefighters are now ready for active duty with the Columbia-Richland Fire Department after completing eight weeks of training over the last two months.
The group is the first to be recruited and trained through CRFD’s new Direct Hire Program. The program allows candidates with prior experience and the proper certifications to begin running calls with the department faster through an abridged fire academy program.
“Each of these new firefighters brings experience and skills that will truly help them as they begin service to our citizens,” said Columbia-Richland Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins, “I am proud of what they have accomplished over the past two months and I look forward to seeing their careers in the fire service grow with CRFD in the time ahead.”
Each new firefighter was officially badged by Fire Chief Jenkins during a brief ceremony at department headquarters on March 3. Family members of the honorees were allowed to be in attendance to celebrate the accomplishments of their loved ones.
CRFD currently is getting ready to begin a second class of Direct Hire candidates. Hiring to fill a third one is being planned for later in 2022. Applicants who are new to firefighting are encouraged to apply for the department’s standard training program.
The Columbia-Richland Fire Department is proud to congratulate our newest members!
Firefighter Brock Claffey Firefighter Joseph Irons
Firefighter Andrew Morris Firefighter James Peters
Firefighter Jay Ross
