The Chehalis fire and police departments welcomed four new firefighter-paramedics and one new police officer with a badge-pinning ceremony on Monday, Oct. 28, during the Chehalis City Council meeting at Chehalis City Hall.
Chehalis Fire Chief Adam Fulbright first introduced the new firefighter paramedics — Justin Baker, Jeff Holloway, Josh Chisnel and Joel Davidson.
Baker previously worked for Lewis County Fire District 15 in Winlock and has 20 years experience as a paramedic and 12 years as a firefighter.
Coming from a bit further west at Pacific County Fire District 1 in Ocean Park, Holloway has 22 years of experience as a paramedic and six years as a firefighter.
Also coming from Lewis County Fire District 15, Chisnel has 22 years of experience as a paramedic and eight years as a firefighter.
The last new hire traveled the furthest by far, as before working for the Chehalis Fire Department, Davidson was in Virginia working for York County Department of Fire and Life Safety. He has six years experience as a paramedic and 10 years as a firefighter.
“We were definitely blessed with the opportunity to pick up so many candidates that bring a significant amount of experience, both in fire and EMS to the community of Chehalis,” Fulbright said before swearing them in.
Chehalis Police Chief Randy Kaut then introduced his new police officer, Francisco Lima Hernandez, along with a new evidence and records technician the department, also recently hired, Alan Huang.
Huang started his career in Florida working for the State Highway Patrol, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the Orange County 911 dispatch office, before moving to the local area and working for the Lewis County 911 dispatch office.
Kaut then swore in Lima Hernandez, a recent Washington Basic Law Enforcement Academy graduate who is currently in the Washington state Criminal Justice Training Commission’s field officer training program.
“I heard he’s doing quite well, which is a good sign,” Kaut said before swearing him in.
Following the instructions, oaths and badge pinning, Chehalis Mayor Tony Ketchum then made a proclamation declaring Monday, Oct. 28, as First Responders Day in Chehalis.
“Police officers, firefighters, EMTs, communication personnel and chaplains, both career and volunteer, come together as first responders to protect and aid the public in the event of an emergency,” Ketchum said. “... First responders risk their own safety and wellbeing in the performance of their duties to protect citizens.”
After making the proclamation, Ketchum asked Chehalis residents to thank their first responders when they see them.
