New firefighters pose with Commissioner Joe McHugh. {David Volz}
Dallas Ferdine looks forward to a long and successful career with the Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department.
He is among 26 firefighters the fire department recently hired, and he completed his training at the Coral Springs Regional Institute of Public Safety.
“I love being a firefighter, and I want to serve the community. This is a great fire department, and I am glad to be a part of this community,” he said.
Fire Chief John Whalen is glad the department could hire a group of dedicated people who want a career in Coral Springs-Parkland. “We were able to hire them because of a $3 million safety grant,” he said.
Most of the 26 new firefighters and older members, including Whalen and former chief Frank Babinec, spent the evening of October 24 serving residents at the Cancer Awareness Pasta Dinner at Fire Station #80. For $8, guests received pasta and meatballs, and the proceeds went to the Coral Springs Professional Firefighters Benevolent Association and other local charities.
Chief John Whalen and former chief Frank Babinec.
“We are introducing new firefighters to the community, and they are learning that being a firefighter is not a job; it is a lifestyle. They have completed basic fire training; now they are learning from experienced professionals,” said Lieutenant Mike Farmer.
The new members are replacing people who have retired and continue to retire. Last year, Coral Springs-Parkland hired 14 new members through a grant, Whalen said.
Station 80 was filled with families who enjoyed dinner, the chance to see fire trucks and equipment, and meeting firefighters. Members of the Coral Springs and Parkland commissions attended.
“This is a great event for the Coral Springs and Parkland communities,” said Commissioner Shawn Cerra.
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