Elk Grove and Galt residents welcomed nine new firefighters Monday to help them with fire and health-related emergencies.
On Saturday (Aug. 3), the new firefighters -- who are also trained as paramedics -- graduated from the Cosumnes Fire Department's academy. Their graduation marks the completion of their entry level training.
“We are pleased to see nine firefighter/paramedics successfully complete the academy and transition from the classroom environment to the field units," said Fire Chief Tracey Hansen said in a press statement. “They are a much needed resource in maintaining our service delivery model and containing costs.”
The comprehensive academy began in mid-April, the press release states. The firefighters' education covers the foundational skills for both emergency medical services and the all-hazard responses the Cosumnes Fire Department faces each year.
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The new firefighters were hired to fill a number of attrition vacancies created over the last few years, according to Consumnes officials. With recent changes in the California law regarding shared pension costs, the hiring actually saves the Department money over paying overtime to its existing workforce, officials outlined in the statement.
