The Dryden Fire Service welcomed 10 new firefighters into its ranks as the 2026 recruit class took part in a swearing-in ceremony, marking the transition from recruits to firefighters ready to begin responding to emergency calls.
The ceremony is a longstanding tradition within the fire service, where recruits take an oath to serve their municipality while pledging to protect lives, property and the environment. Surrounded by family, friends and fellow firefighters, the evening celebrated months of hard work and the beginning of a new chapter in public service.
Training officer and Lieut. Devon Noel said the ceremony represents an important milestone for each recruit.
"Tonight we're celebrating our 2026 recruit class," he said. "The swearing-in ceremony is a tradition in the fire service where they do an oath to the municipality and the fire service. It's a great moment for families, spouses, friends and others to gather around and congratulate them."
The recruits began their journey following an orientation in November 2025 before officially starting training in the new year. Over the course of several months, they completed between 110 and 120 hours of hands-on instruction, in addition to more than 40 hours of online theory completed on their own time.
Their training covered everything from learning the history of the fire service and properly using personal protective equipment to live-fire scenarios, search and rescue techniques, rope rescue skills and portable fire extinguisher operations.
The program marks only the first phase of their firefighter education. Following the swearing-in ceremony, the recruits will begin responding to calls in a restricted capacity while they continue working toward their Firefighter II and hazardous materials certifications.
For Noel, watching the recruits develop throughout the program has been one of the most rewarding parts of his role.
"The group of 10 recruit firefighters were excellent," he said. "They came in with different challenges, and you've seen a lot of them grow. They are complete strangers when they come in, and after their training they are totally different people for the better."
He said the class stood out not only for their dedication, but for the bond they formed throughout the training process.
"This is by far one of the best recruit classes I've had," he said. "Their camaraderie, their togetherness, coming together as a family and really showing what the fire service is about makes me proud as a training officer."
As the newest members of the Dryden Fire Service prepare to begin serving the community, Noel hopes their journey encourages others who have considered becoming firefighters themselves.
"If there's anyone out there that's interested in becoming a firefighter, whether it's volunteer, paid per call or full-time, go for it," he said. "It's the best job in the world. You'll never know unless you try, and it will 100 per cent change your life."