The Riverside Fire Authority celebrated a milestone for 15 of its new career and volunteer firefighters on Wednesday as the firefighters formally completed their year-long probationary periods and received their badges.
“We’re here to congratulate and give thanks for all their countless hours of hard work, sacrifice (and) dedication,” Fire Chief Kevin Anderson said at the beginning of the badge-pinning ceremony on Wednesday, July 17. “We and our community are grateful for your service and commitment."
The ceremony, which took place at Centralia High School, also recognized six volunteers who joined the fire authority this year, three volunteer EMS providers, one firefighter’s promotion to lieutenant and two recently retired volunteers.
As of late June 2024, the Riverside Fire Authority had 24 career firefighter and emergency medical responders and between 60 and 65 volunteer firefighters who serve in all areas of the fire authority and supplement work done by career firefighters.
A list of the personnel recognized during Wednesday’s ceremony is below.
A livestream of the event is available to watch online at https://www.facebook.com/riversidefireauthority.
For more information about the Riverside Fire Authority, which serves the greater Centralia area, visit https://www.riversidefire.net/.
Career staff badge pinning
• Firefighter/paramedic Wyatt Hill; Firefighter/EMT Travis McCarthy
Volunteer staff badge pinning
• 2022 recruits: Ryan Moore, Aaron Pannkuk, Kate McPheters
• 2023 recruits: Matt Burrow, Mario Munguia, Jayden Pannette, Russ Ronholt, Zach Wade, Lisa Blair, Sean Hellem, Morgan Kimbrel, Kyle Seymour, Noah Williams
Volunteer promotion
• Lieutenant Josh Krause
Volunteer recognition
• 2024 recruits: Kylee Breen, Lola Montee, Brian Rochester, Josh Walters, Sylvia Matayoshi, Tim Pannkuk
• EMS volunteers: JJ Hamilton, Jesse O’Camb, Devonte Velazquez, Noah Layton
Retirement recognition
• Myron Kimbrel, Jonathan Akers
