Pflugerville Fire Department graduates first class of in-house firefighters/EMTs
Travis County ESD No. 2 graduated thefirst class from its in-house firefighter/EMT certification program on Thursday evening. The 36 graduateswill become probationary full-time employees with the emergency services district.
The program is intended to help ESD No. 2, also known as the Pflugerville Fire Department, to fill open position and quicken its response time as the district continues to grow, said NickPerkins, fire chief for ESD No 2. The district has eight fire stations and 137 firefighters.
ESD No. 2 launched the Fire Cadet Program, a free six-month training series, in January to give residents a wayto become certified Texas firefighters/EMTs. The program consists of instruction in firefighting tactics, emergency medical training, physical fitness and safe practices.
"Class 31 congratulations," said Perkins. "You have achieved something really big over the last sixmonths, but it really is just the beginning."
To help fill its ranks, the district has been depending on local fire academy programs from Austin Community College, the Texas Fire Academy in San Marcos, the Pflugerville school district's Fire Academy and the LBJ High School Fire Academy.
Thomas Harris, one of the graduating cadets, said he is proud to be part of the first class. Harris said he was always interested in being a firefighter/EMT, but never had the chance.
"When I saw this opportunity,"he said, "I jumped on it and never looked back."
Harris said he is looking forward to working in the district and will be happy wherever they assign him. He hopes he might be able to help the next generation of the program.
The second class of the program is anticipated to start on Oct. 23
During the program, cadets receive benefits and training pay of $17.58 per hour. Upon completion of the cadet academy and being hired by the district, compensation is approximately $52,500, according to the district's website.
Having previously served in the military, Paul Nutting said he wanted to continue to help people, making it an easy choice to join the program.
"To be included in part of this department's history is pretty amazing," Nutting said.
Nutting said he is definitely going to continue to work with ESD No. 2 and its where he wants to stay. While he is excited to start working, he said he and his classmates have to gain residents' trust and respect.
"I want to support my community," Nutting said.
More:Pflugerville hopes to work with ESD on planning for ambulance service
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: ESD No. 2 graduates first class of in-house firefighters/EMTs
