GREENFIELD — Officials with the Greenfield Fire Territory (GFT) swore-in six firefighters who received their badges, promising to protect the community during a special ceremony attended by family and friends late last week. Three of those sworn-in were recruits and three were new hires the GFT brought on this past year.
The members the department recognized Friday were, firefighter/EMT Jacob Johnson – previously worked as an EMT at IEMS – also attended GFT academy; firefighter/EMT Matthew Day – GFT academy; firefighter/EMT Layne Harnishfeger – GFT academy; firefighter/EMT Max Hellmann – lateral transfer form Brown Township; firefighter/paramedic Andrew Ward – previous cadet, then volunteer, part time at GFT and previously worked for IU Lifeline as a paramedic, and firefighter/paramedic Brian Calaski – lateral transfer from Buck Creek Township Fire Department.
Greenfield Fire Territory Chief Jason Horning noted the six new members come with a wide range of experience and certifications from zero to 14 years.
“The things they definitely have in common amongst each other are good ethics and enthusiasm to serve our citizens at the highest level,” Horning said.
Three of the new hires were lateral transfers to replace vacancies and three were new positions added by the city council. With the addition of the three new firefighters, that brings the GFT career staff to 52 employees.
“I would like to be able to add an additional 12 career positions in the coming years so we have the staff to open a third fire station,” Horning said. “The city council and Mayor (Chuck Fewell) have been supportive of efforts to make sure staffing is increasing to meet the demands of our ever increasing run load as the city continues to grow.”
Despite bringing on the six new members, as the area grows, so does the fire service. Officials noted they are in the process of accepting applications for civilian paramedics with a starting pay of up to $64,500. For more information, visit https://www.greenfieldin.org/government/fire-department/1974-recruitment for all the details. Officials noted applications are due by 4 p.m. Nov. 10.
