The Lakeland Fire Department marked an important moment in the career of one of its newer members earlier today. A ceremony was held on April 27, 2021, to mark Chris Wild’s successful first year with the department and his transition from “Rookie” Firefighters to “Regular” Firefighters.
Firefighter Wild made it through LFD’s rigorous hiring process, new hire orientation, and a year-long probation period that includes multiple skills, physical abilities, and knowledge assessments.
He celebrated his transition from probationary to regular status firefighters in the company of family and colleagues. The ceremony marks the completion of the Personal Qualification Standards that the department uses to vet the finest candidates.
This probationary period is designed to ensure that new additions live up to the department’s standards and are cut out for a difficult line of work in the fire service. #LFD is experiencing rejuvenation in its workforce with these new firefighters coming on board last year.
More about Chris: Firefighter/EMT Chris Wild started with the Lakeland Fire Department in April 2020.
Originally from Manchester, England in the United Kingdom, Chris has called Florida home since 2018. Prior to becoming a firefighter stateside, Chris worked as a Firefighter/Paramedic in the UK for 17 years! Upon moving to Florida Chris attended fire standards at Valencia State College and worked as a firefighter at the City of Deltona before joining LFD. He is currently working towards his associate’s degree, also at Valencia College.
Chris intends to become a Paramedic in the United States as well, setting his sights on starting Paramedic school in the fall and continuing to attain medical and fire certifications in the meantime.
Chris has been busy with his first year at the department but in his free time enjoys traveling and exploring new places with his family and spending time at the beach.
Congratulations Chris! Good luck, and lots of continued success on your long career with #LFD.