Today the City of Madison Fire Department welcomes its newest firefighters to the ranks. The Police and Fire Commission swear in the thirteen graduates of Recruit Class 8 at a ceremony at Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center in downtown Madison.

Over the last four months, these recruits were taught firefighting, EMS, and other critical skills to help them provide the best possible service to our community.

It is always an exciting time when new people join the organization. As you will see over the coming weeks, this group has the character to provide professional fire and emergency medical service to the community on a moment’s notice while maintaining the core values of the organization.

Honesty, Integrity, Caring, Compassion, and Respect are the foundation of our service, and we hold each member to the highest standard of these core values.

The people who make up the City of Madison Fire Department are by far its most valuable asset. This group of thirteen firefighters competed in a pool of over 1,600 applicants for the opportunity to serve you. They went through a video-based written exam, as well as interviews with community members, department members, and the Fire Chief. Lastly, they all performed a physical ability test (PAT) to ensure they will be able to perform the very demanding physical aspects of the job. I recommended them all to the Police and Fire Commission for hire, and the Commission unanimously approved.

You will get to meet these dynamic individuals through our blog in the coming weeks. For now, however, they are continuing to learn what it takes to be a successful firefighter and EMT in the City of Madison. I look forward to seeing them in the streets—serving you, the community—for years to come.

Welcome, Class 8!
Chief Davis