Grand Island, Neb. — On Friday, August 16 at 8 a.m., the four newest recruits of the Grand Island Fire Department will be conducting a “ruck” or march in full firefighter turnout gear from Fire Station #1 (409 East Fonner Park Road) to City Hall (100 East 1st Street).
They symbolic event is a way of celebrating the completion of the trainees’ last day of fire academy training, which caps off eight weeks of intense physical and mental training.
The recruits will leave Fire Station #1 at 8 a.m. and have an anticipated arrival at City Hall around 8:20 a.m. The recruits’ route will be west on Fonner Park Road and north on Pine Street to City Hall.
Immediately following the recruits’ arrival at city hall, there will be a brief reception in City Council chambers. Interview opportunities will be available with comments provided by Mayor Roger Steele and other City staff members.
The names of the newest recruits are:
Firefighter/Paramedic Emily Lenhoff
Firefighter/Paramedic Samantha Synder
Firefighter/EMT Melissa Willman
Firefighter/EMT Levi Wilson
The recruits will continue on-the-job training for approximately four additional months as a member of a fire engine and ambulance crew.