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Eight training graduates join Minot Fire Department

Jill Schramm/MDN Minot’s newest firefighters, from right, Bryan Sullivan, Bradley Walhood, Jason West, Danny Raymond, Joshua Olson, Mark Mathieson, Seth Herigstad and Michael Coffin take their oaths Friday as they join the city department following training.

Eight new firefighters will take their places with the Minot Fire Department next week after graduating Friday from an eight-week training.

A graduation ceremony was held at the fire station on 10th Street Southwest with family, friends and representatives of the department, city council and administration.

Graduating were Michael Coffin, Seth Herigstad, Mark Mathieson, Joshua Olson, Danny Raymond, Jason West, Bradley Walhood and Bryan Sullivan.

The department’s new training officer, Austin Burns, said the trainees squeezed a year’s worth of training into those eight weeks, taking 21 written exams, studying an average of 24 hours a week and participating in an average of 16 hours a week of hands-on training, including everything from rappeling a building to extinguishing fires.

“You have chosen probably one of the most noble careers there is,” Mayor Chuck Barney said, saying they will be bringing “hope and help to our community.”

Jill Schramm/MDN Graduating firefighter Jason West shakes hands with Minot Fire Chief Kelli Flermoen Friday after a pinning ceremony with his wife, Leah.

Fire Chief Kelli Flermoen spoke of the traditions, noting, “It’s not just a job but a way of life.”

“You will be tested,” City Manager Tom Barry said. “You will be called upon in some of our community’s most heart-wrenching, tragic and trying times.” He asked that they serve with professionalism and pride.

“It’s a huge responsibility. We know that’s why we call you heroes,” he said.

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