Monday, October 27, 2025, New Lenox Fire Protection District (NLFPD) held a swearing in and promotion ceremony during the Board of Trustees meeting. The District officially swore in two Firefighter/Paramedics (FF/PM) as district employees and two Lieutenants were recognized for their recent promotions.

Lieutenant Daniel Francis and Lieutenant John Ruckman were officially sworn in as Lieutenant officers. Currently, both lieutenants are on Gold shift. Both were pinned by their wife and children.

FF/PM Nicolas Reyes and FF/PM Anthony Porter were sworn in and pinned by their family members after completing their probationary period.

“These lieutenants and 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.

There is a similar process firefighters must go through to be placed on the Lieutenant eligibility list. Those interested in promotion must complete a 120-hour course through the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal, complete a task book, take a written exam, and take part in an assessment center.