THUNDER BAY – Becoming a professional firefighter has been a goal Graham Fron has spent the past 12 years doing everything he could to achieve.
That dream finally became reality on Saturday, when Fron and six other recruits graduated from their training programs to become the newest members of Thunder Bay Fire Rescue.
Despite all the time it took, he never considered giving up.
“That was never an option,” Fron said following the graduation ceremony at the Thunder Bay Fire and Emergency Services Regional Training Complex on Hammond Avenue.
“I knew what I wanted to do and I stayed on that path. I continually improved myself with skills and training and volunteering to show them I’m a determined individual and I deserve this position.”
The seven new firefighters completed a grueling and challenging 18-week training program that combined physical, mental and tactical preparations.
Fire Chief John Hay addressed the group during the ceremony, telling the audience the graduations are some of the best days for the department.
He said the training they received was top notch and they will all be prepared for the line of duty.
“We have the best training division in the province and we probably have the best fire department in the province,” Hay said.
“I’m very proud we’ve been able to maintain that and be recognized for the past few years. These guys are going to have to carry that mantle for us.”
He told the new firefighters they all deserved their positions and luck had nothing to do with hiring.
He also apologized to their families for the sacrifices that come with the job and asked for their support.
Firefighting careers are highly sought after, with these seven emerging from an applicant pool with hundreds of candidates.
Each of the new firefighters worked to set themselves apart.
“You can’t be 25 years old and decide you want to be a firefighter. You’re at a disadvantage. It doesn’t matter who you are or how strong you think you are,” Hay said.
“You’re at a disadvantage to the person whose put 10 years in preparing themselves physically, mentally and education wise who has built their resume to compete for a job here and has learned the life skills that are necessary.”
Fron is scheduled for his first shift early next week and admitted he has some nerves for when he walks into his new hall for the first time.
No matter what, he’s thankful for the opportunity.
“It’s an honour and complete privilege I can fulfill this position and serve the community,” Fron said.
“The best thing you can do is help someone and provide a service (to the community).”
The department now has 213 full-time firefighters.
The seven new firefighters are listed below:
- Adam Bilenki
- Mark Black
- Graham Fron
- Jevon Kavalchuk
- Jared Rosenfeld
- Jonathan Pettigrew
- Mitchel Van Ramshorst
