LIMA, OH (WLIO) - The Lima Fire Department is building up its ranks as five new firefighters were sworn in.
The Lima Fire Department is currently sitting at 72 firefighters.
Mayor Sharetta Smith doing the honors as family and friends watch their loved ones take the oath to a career with the Lima Fire Department. Sworn in were Matthew Baker, Taryn Hutchinson, Levi Probst, Jacob Schwarzman, and Alex Walker. These firefighters are the first to finish a probationary year of service before being sworn in. Chief Andy Heffner says this is a new process he believes will benefit the department.
Chief Heffner has announced his retirement and Deputy Chief Jack McDermitt will be sworn in as chief in mid-September.
The new hires brings the department up to 72. Fire Chief Andy Heffner says the Lima Fire Department is on solid ground with the addition of these firefighters.
"Firefighters in the city of Lima before they become a sworn firefighter they have to go through a year of process of learning, training, and being evaluated to make sure they're going to be a good Lima firefighter. Right now we're currently sitting at 72 firefighters. Our strength ordinance 83 but for us, we found the sweet spots right about 80 to 81," stated Chief Andy Heffner, Lima Fire Department.
Chief Heffner has announced his retirement in September and Deputy Chief Jack McDermitt will be sworn in as chief in mid-September.
