The Lakeland Fire Department marked an important moment in the career of two of its newer members. A ceremony was held on April 29, 2021, to mark a successful first year with the department and their transition from “Rookie” Firefighters to “Regular” Firefighters.
Firefighters Anthony Planeta and Nick Wood successfully 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.
Together they celebrated their transition from probationary to regular status firefighters in the company of family, friends, 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 Anthony and Nick: Anthony Planeta:
Firefighter/EMT Anthony Planeta started with the Lakeland Fire Department in April 2020. Anthony is a Clearwater, FL native who traded in life at the beach to be a firefighter in Lakeland. Anthony attended EMT school and fire standards at St. Petersburg College, followed by college at Purdue University; Anthony holds an Associate of Applied Science degree in Business Administration from Purdue. Being new to the Lakeland area, Anthony has had to adapt to a new job and home but shares “I’m loving Lakeland. My wife and I wanted a change of scenery and this department offers everything I need to accomplish my goals. There is no compromise like there would be at many other departments (except for being away from the beach).” As Anthony settles into LFD, he intends to work towards career aspirations of completing Paramedic school, as well as finishing his driver/operator classes. Anthony shares that he used to have hobbies but between his first year at the department and becoming a new parent his new hobbies include doing whatever makes his family happy, which usually includes visits to the beach and enjoying Florida’s nature trails. Regarding his promotion today Anthony says “Thank you Lt. Lawrence, you were the first face I saw when I came in for duty on my first night right after orientation. You really helped calm my nerves. Thank you, Lt. Brown, for guiding me every step of the way. Thank you to my crew, I really couldn’t ask for a better group to work with, and most importantly thank you to my wife Caitlin for being so patient and supportive.” Congratulations to Anthony Planeta on completing his first successful year as a Lakeland firefighter; the first of hopefully many other momentous career achievements to come.
Nick Wood: Firefighter/EMT Nick Wood started with the Lakeland Fire Department in April 2020. Nick is a Florida native, born in Miami, FL but calling Lakeland his home since the age of four. Nick attended Harrison School of the Arts and Lakeland High School. Upon graduation, Nick attended fire standards at Ridge Fire Academy and completed his EMT and EMS studies at Polk State College. Nick is looking forward to a long career at LFD, sharing that with his first year completed he intends to pursue becoming a Paramedic and complete his courses and gather the necessary experience to advance in rank. Like many firefighters at the department, Nick enjoys spending his free time outdoors, camping, shooting clays, and fishing with his grandfather. He also enjoys spending time with his family and friends. Regarding his promotion, Nick shares “Thanks to Bryan Gilliam for great advice, always helping me with my tests and not giving up on me whenever I didn’t understand something. Thanks to Lieutenant Burney for motivating me to become better, work harder, and to not give up. Thank you to the rest of my crew for helping me through every step of this first year, and for giving me advice along the way. Thank you to my family and friends for supporting me throughout every step of this year. And lastly thank you to Training Captain Brown, for helping me get to this point, and for all the pointers you’ve given me throughout my career in the fire service.”Congratulations to Nick on completing his first successful year as a Lakeland firefighter; the first of hopefully many other momentous career achievements to come.
Congratulations to all the Firefighters, good luck, and lots of continued success on your long career with #LFD