WFFD Academy Graduates Take Oath
By: Gwyn Bevel
Updated: December 28, 2012
The Wichita Falls Fire Department says goodbye to some retirees and they also welcomed the newest recruits to the brotherhood in a reception today.
Six firefighters graduated today from the 58th Fire Academy.
The recruits were already certified firefighters, so they have spent the last four weeks in an abbreviated academy learning the ins and outs of the Wichita Falls Department.
Two of the new recruits have special connections to a career in public service.
Blake Haisten is the son of a Wichita Falls Police officer Sergeant and Justin Groves is the nephew of a Fire Department Batallion Chief.
Justin Groves says, "My uncle has been a firefighter for year now and I've always wanted to do it since I was a kid and him being a firefighter inspired me even more."
Blake Haisten is looking forward to the job as well and says, "I look forward to just learning it all, you know, just getting the experience and being with everyone in the station and getting to know all the new guys and going from there."
Four firefighters were also promoted during today's ceremony.
