The Lakeland Fire Department New Hire Orientation Program is a month-long training program.
During this training, the new hires learn the “Lakeland Fire Department Way” of doing things. They review and train not only on firefighting skills but also has weeklong training on providing medical care.
After this month-long training which a 40 workweek is, they report to their assigned stations and work the traditional shift (24hrs on duty/48hrs off duty).
For the next year of their probation, they work through a Personnel Qualification Standards (PQS) Program with their company officer. The PQS Program reiterates a majority of the skills reviewed during the month orientation but allows the company officer to observe/train with the new hire.
Part of the PQS Program includes learning all the streets in the city of Lakeland.
The new recruits are:
1. Shelly Boyer
2. Hai Ha
3. Christopher Clark
4. Isaac Pacanins
5. Jacob Klingensmith
6. Brandon Chaves
7. Hercules Betts
The Lakeland Gazette asked few of the recruits “Why did you chose Lakeland instead of any other Fire Department?”
Shelly Boyer: I’ve always enjoyed being a part of the community and helping others. I recently made a career change and my decision to become a firefighter was strongly influenced by my desire to continue to help others and remain physically active. I chose Lakeland Fire Department because I wanted to be a part of a department that strives to be great, values honor, and hard work and I believe I found that at LFD.
Isaac Pacanins: I have always wanted to a part of something bigger than myself, as well as helping people. I chose LFD because I wanted to be a part of a department that challenges me in a not only a physical aspect, but in a mental as well. I also live in Lakeland so I want to fight for the community I live in.
Hercules Betts: Being a firefighter is the perfect combination of physical and mental challenges to bring out the best version of me. Also, the natural disposition I have to help and see others smile from my influence is amazing. To me, Lakeland, us the opportunity of a lifetime. Since the beginning, I was told the requirements and while not easy, I have seen a shift for the better in myself and my outlook towards difficult situations.
Jacob Klingensmith: I credit a friend for getting me interested in the fire service. I immediately fell in love with both the fire and EMS portion and truly believe I’ve found my passion. I’ve always looked to firemen as heroes and I hope I can make my family proud as well as serve my community. It is an extremely prestigious department that I am honored to work for. Their values and commitment to serving the community are like no others.
High Rise 3: Probationary Firefighters were learning how to connect the hose to a standpipe system and deploy the hose in a high rise environment.
RIT-7: Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) training. Probationary Firefighters were learning how to remove an “injured” firefighter from the 1st floor.
SCBA-1: Probationary Firefighters were learning how to wear the Lakeland Fire Department’s Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBAs)
Search-6: Probationary Firefighters were learning how to perform a search in a residential structure. They had Saran Wrap over their face piece to obscure their vision to emulate true fire conditions.
Tower Climb-2: Probationary Firefighters were learning how to climb our aerial apparatus in full bunker gear at a 70 degree angle 100 feet.
Breach-3: Probationary Firefighters were learning how to maneuver through a wall (in between the wood studs) in full bunker gear. They had Saran Wrap over their face piece to obscure their vision to emulate true fire conditions.
Extrication-7: Probationary Firefighters were learning how to use extrication tools to cut on a vehicle in order to remove an entrapped patient.
Editorial Note: The Lakeland Gazette would like to thank Matt Brown Training Captain/Paramedic Lakeland Fire Department for the photos and the quotes from the new hires.