Firefighter recruits join the ranks of Clarington Emergency and Fire Services at graduation ceremony

Clarington, Ontario – Clarington Emergency and Fire Services officially welcomed seven new firefighters to its ranks in a graduation ceremony held Wednesday night in Council Chambers.

The graduating class includes:

• Firefighter Allen Jewell
• Firefighter Lyubomyr Marmush
• Firefighter Marcus Moss
• Firefighter Meghan Naish (Valedictorian)
• Firefighter Kevin Noordstra
• Firefighter Christine Pilon
• Firefighter Katelynn Shields

“On behalf of all of Council, I extend my heartfelt thanks to all seven firefighters for their bravery and commitment to keeping Clarington safe. Our first responders are an integral part of ensuring our residents receive the care they need during an emergency, and I wish them all the very best as they begin their firefighting careers here in Clarington,” said Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster.

For the past 11 weeks, the firefighters have received extensive training under the guidance of Chief Training Officer Chris Vanderburg. The comprehensive training provided firefighters with the physical, mental and technical skills they will need in the line of duty.

To graduate from the rigorous 11-week program, the recruits had to demonstrate proficiency with fire suppression abilities such as fire attack, search, rescue, fire ground support operations and tactical ventilation, along with detailed knowledge of building construction and fire dynamics. Training also included technical rescue skills such as rope rescue, water rescue, and auto extrication techniques, along with awareness of confined space rescue, trench rescue and hazmat response. The recruits were also trained as emergency medical responders through Lakeridge Health to prepare them for their role as first responders.

Photo above (left to right): Fire Chief Mariano Perini, Training Officer Sean Henderson, Deputy Chief Randy Cowan, Firefighter Lyubomyr Marmush, Firefighter Christine Pilon, Firefighter Katelynn Shields, Firefighter Allen Jewell, Firefighter Marcus Moss, Firefighter Kevin Noordstra, Firefighter Meghan Naish, Training Officer Shane Robinson, Deputy Chief Bill Hesson, and Chief Training Officer Chris Vanderburg

“Our first responders are on the frontlines, protecting our community when we need them most. These individuals demonstrated integrity, professionalism and grit, and I am pleased to welcome each one to Clarington Emergency and Fire Services,” said Clarington Fire Chief Mariano Perini.

The new firefighters will serve the community, attending emergency calls effective immediately.

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Media inquiries:
Municipality of Clarington
Leanne Walker
Communications Specialist
905-623-3379 ext. 2217 or lwalker@clarington.net