Yesterday the New Lenox Fire Protection District (NLFPD) held a swearing in ceremony to officially swear in nine Firefighter/Paramedics (FF/PM) as district employees.

On Thursday, February 15th, FF/PM Gregory Gaj, FF/PM Breanna Petty, FF/PM Austin Cangelosi, FF/PM Ryan O’Hara, FF/PM Nicholas Doty, FF/PM Kyle Oehler, FF/PM Anthony Winters, FF/PM Anderw Hughes, and FF/PM Jared Love were sworn in and pinned by their family members after completing their probationary period.

“These firefighters have all worked extremely hard to get to where they are, and we couldn’t be prouder of them for their efforts,” stated Chief Adam Riegel. “We want to congratulate them on all they have done and thank them for helping us become stronger as a district.”

In order to make it onto the district eligibility list, firefighters must go through a series of tests over a six-month period. These include written, oral, and interactive assessments conducted by the Board of Fire Commissioners. After the first test, the number of candidates is cut to approximately half. Those not cut continue on with the next assessments. Once each person is assigned a score, they are ranked, based on those scores and their names are posted for two years on an eligibility list. Once hired, the firefighters go through a year probationary period before they are officially sworn in.