Gainesville Fire Rescue hosts signing ceremony
Published on August 14, 2023
Gainesville City Commissioner Ed Book (far left), Mayor Harvey Ward (third from right) and GFR leaders stand with the 2023 candidates following the signing ceremony.
By Rossana Passaniti
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (Aug. 14, 2023) – They stood tall and proud – and ready to take the next steps in becoming Gainesville Fire Rescue (GFR) first responders for the City of Gainesville.
At GFR’s second annual signing ceremony Aug. 4, the 2023 class of candidates officially committed to serving the community before family, friends and a large crowd gathered at the City’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Multipurpose Center.
“We are recognizing these fine, young men tonight as they begin their service to our community. And as I look out into the stands, I see how they’re inspiring all the young faces out there,” said GFR Fire Chief Joseph Dixon.
GFR Capt. Conrade Irving first proposed the idea to recognize future first responders with a signing-day event modeled after those for athletes who commit to sports teams.
“We are honoring these young men who have chosen to be givers, and give back to our community,” said Irving. Then he read aloud the Oath Appointment before each candidate was individually called forward to sign the oath alongside family.
“I do solemnly swear to uphold the Constitution of the United States, the laws of the State of Florida, and the Codes and Ordinances of the City of Gainesville. I will conduct myself in a professional manner in all circumstances and will dedicate my best efforts to the saving of lives and preservation of property. I commit, without reservation, to perform with dedication and courage, accepting the risks of my profession, for the greater good of my citizens, my community, and my fellow firefighters,” read Irving.
The 14 candidates each also accepted a conditional offer of employment from the City which will sponsor their training at Florida State Fire College in Ocala. Future employment is contingent upon each candidate earning firefighter certification and successfully completing Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training.
“I’m looking forward to going to Fire College and am excited to use my skills to serve the community,” said Joel Burgett, a candidate who first met Irving in 2022 during a CPR course.
The candidates were originally selected by GFR based on National Testing Network scores, performance testing and individual interviews. Following certification, the candidates will complete a 7-week orientation at GFR to demonstrate proficiency before joining fellow firefighters in response to emergency calls.
For more information, contact Capt. Conrade Irving at GFR_CRO@GainesvilleFL.gov or 352-284-8001.