Fifteen fresh faces were welcomed to the Hillsborough County Fire Rescue family on March 14
In an emotional ceremony on Friday, March 14, 15 recruit firefighters officially joined Hillsborough County Fire Rescue (HCFR) as the newest first responders. Men and women, from diverse backgrounds, were drawn to the career by a common goal - public service. And that shared commitment created a celebration filled with family, pride, and hopes for a bright future.
Past, present, and future
County Administrator Bonnie Wise welcomed the group and recalled amazing stories of courage - water rescues in the middle of the night on Tampa Bay, people pulled from burning vehicles and homes, and firefighters with extraordinary strength who hoisted a vehicle to free a trapped child. The recruits have big boots to fill.
HCFR Fire Chief Jason Dougherty concurred. His team is filled with ordinary people doing extraordinary work for Hillsborough residents. He is excited to see this new group in action and assured the recruits that the five-week HCFR training orientation created an environment for them to thrive and shine.
As HCFR Division Chief Kenneth Forward explained, this group of firefighters is special. Twelve recruits previously worked in hospitals or as emergency service technicians. Two served in the military - one in the army and another as a marine. And one individual worked in HCFR's logistics department and decided to change uniforms.
Class leader, recruit Richard Coe, expressed that he and his classmates are honored to join the HCFR team and are proud to have earned a seat at the dinner table. He stressed that they are fully aware that it will take a while to learn what those at the head of the table already know. But they are ready for the challenge.
Welcoming the new recruits
As family members and friends placed the HCFR pin on their loved ones and the new fire fighters were sworn in by the Hon. Nick Nazaretian, a judge with the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, they were left with these words:
Honor the patch
Dream big
Remember the pride you have today
Respect every citizen
You are the future
Welcome to the Hillsborough County Fire Rescue family!