Six new members were introduced by Chief Johnathan Stornetta
The City of Paso Robles introduced seven additional firefighters, bolstering its emergency services ranks.
Fire Chief Johnathan Storenetta introduced Kevin Conner, Emmet Hoey, Colton Lopez, Justin Ludwig, Casey Larson and Ben Shank to attending loved ones, supporting staff and city officials that filled the Public Safety Center Conference Room. Stornetta punctuated the point that the City strives to hire only the best and brightest by stating that the seven were selected from more than 100 applicants.
“Our goal here at the department is to provide the highest level of service in the most efficient manner possible,” Stornetta said, addressing the crowd. “To constantly safeguard and preserve life and property against the elements of fire and disaster.”
Stornetta emphasized to the new recruits that self-sacrifice is a core quality of being an emergency services personnel.
“Doing this job you will be asked to put aside your personal lives on a daily basis and serve the citizens of Paso Robles in their time of need,” Stornetta said. “When people call 911 they do not care if your child is home sick or if you’re missing somebody’s birthday or if you haven’t seen your loved ones or spouse in weeks. All they want is for you to respond and for you to help solve their problem.”
Stornetta playfully ribbed some of the youngest members, telling Lopez that his parents could start charging him rent now that he has a full-time job and that Weber can now stop raiding his parent’s fridge.
Paso Robles City Manager Tom Frutchey led the new hires in the oath after delivering a speech stressing the importance of the action. After the swearing in, individual loved ones chosen by each of the new firefighters came forward and pinned the badge on their uniform.
Attendees were also treated to a multimedia presentation created by firefighter/paramedic Joel Platter that demonstrated what the firefighters did during their five weeks at the academy.
Firefighter Ludwig spoke on behalf of the new hires. He thanked the friends and family present for all their support and also to the department for allowing them the opportunity to serve the public.
