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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: K. Keplinger: 344-4609
Six badge pinnings, one proposal caps evening at EJFR
PORT TOWNSEND—East Jefferson Fire Rescue staff, friends and family memberscelebrated six firefighters move off probationary status on Sunday evening at the Henry Miller Station 15.
Firefighter/Paramedic Debbie Randall, Firefighter/EMT Trevor Bergen, Firefighter/EMT Justin Fletcher, Firefighter/EMT Carl Tesch, Firefighter/EMT Curtis Sanders and Firefighter/EMT Gavin Rogers all received their permanent badges in front of approximately 100 friends and family members last night.
The six, hired as career firefighters also serve as Paramedics or Emergency Medical Technicians. All newly hired career firefighters complete one year of study and testing to meet state and National Fire Protection Association standards. The badge pining event signifies commitment to the organization, to the public, and culminates in the recitation of an oath to that effect.
“This can be a tearful moment—especially when the moms pin the badges on their son or daughter,” said Assistant Chief Ted Krysinski, who presided over the evening’s events and offered tissues to the ladies who stepped forward to pin their loved ones.
The big surprise last night came when Firefighter/EMT Gavin Rogers asked his girlfriend, Kara Spray, to pin him. When she opened the box to get the badge, she found instead a diamond engagement ring. Kara, who had refused the offer of a tissue, found herself needing more than one!
FF Rogers got down on his knee and asked his high school sweetheart to marry him. The couple is planning a 2010 wedding.
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