SHERBURNE – The Sherburne Fire Department bolstered its ranks at the end of December with three new additions. After finishing 87 hours of curriculum, Michelle Jenkins, Chad Campbell and Kyle Pierce graduated from a class of around 20, and completed their state-level training to be firefighters. The three graduates have also been cleared to wear breathing apparatuses so they may enter burning buildings.
“We are proud of all of them. We take pride in being very team-based,” said Sherburne Assistant Fire Chief Jansen Casscles.
Growing up in Hubbardsville, Jenkins had always had an interest in becoming a firefighter. Her brother joined the Hubbardsville Fire Department and her husband is also a member of the Sherburne Fire Department. “My husband has served as an inspiration for me,” said Jenkins.
“I was motived to join the fire department because I wanted to save people and bring down fires so that people are safe,” said Pierce.
Campbell decided to train to become a firefighter and join the Sherburne team because he wished to do something for his community.
The firefighter training course began in September and graduation took place in December. Classes were held in Norwich twice a week and sometimes on Saturdays.
“I am proud of my accomplishment, but I do still have a lot to learn,” said Jenkins.
There are always more classes for firefighters to take and the department conducts weekly in-house training exercises. “There is no end to the training for any of us,” said Casscles. Each member of the department trains hard and takes all calls seriously, added Jenkins.
Jenkins said she is both excited and nervous about tackling her first live blaze. The three recent graduates have been on a few calls already, such as car crashes, but have yet to respond to working fire.
“We haven’t seen any real action yet, but I am looking forward to it,” said Pierce.
The firehouse now has 44 firefighters and 25 have the credentials to wear a breathing apparatus. “The key to our success as a department is welcoming everyone and embracing the team aspect of our department as opposed to focusing so much on individuals,” said Casscles.
Since graduating, Jenkins has found being a firefighter to be both challenging and rewarding. “Being a volunteer firefighter for the Sherburne Fire Department is a privilege and an honor,” she said. “I take great pride in responding to emergency calls and helping others. Whenever the tones go off, my heart pounds and I respond as fast as I can, no matter what time of day or night.”