Editor’s note:
What ceremony or tradition does your department have to celebrate a firefighter coming off probation? Let us know and send your photos to editor@firerescue1.com
By Michelle Dillon
Jacksonville Daily Progress
JACKSONVILLE, Texas — Two Jacksonville firefighters have earned the right to don black helmets, as opposed to the probationary orange helmets worn throughout the training period.
Stephen Kloosterman and Dustin Whisenhunt were presented their black helmets in a ceremony Wednesday, with family and fellow firefighters in attendance.
“Graduating out of an orange helmet into a black helmet is a very important step,” Fire Chief Paul Findly said. “It’s a symbol of growth; it’s a symbol of added responsibility.”
Findley said the black helmet represented hours of learning and on-the-job training.
“It’s important. It’s a big deal and we ought to make a big deal about it,” he said. “I anticipate these two guys having a very long career.”
Stephen Kloosterman was celebrated by family and members of the fire department as he received his black helmet Wednesday
Kloosterman who currently lives in Tyler, said he grew up in a fire station. He follows his father and great-grandfather who were both in the fire service. Kloosterman went directly to the fire academy at Tyler Junior College following high school graduation.
“It’s definitely rewarding. It’s fulfilling,” he said about receiving his black helmet.
Fiance Emma Dorman said she was excited for Kloosterman.
“He’s been talking about this for a year,” she said.
Kloosterman’s father Russell, who spent 32 years in the fire service, said his son was a junior firefighter since he was 13 years old.
His mother Becky said she’s always glad to hear her son had a boring shift.
Both parents expressed pride in Kloosterman’s accomplishment.
Dustin Whisenhunt’s black helmet ceremony was celebrated Wednesday by family and members of the fire department.
Whisenhunt, who also lives in Tyler, said he wanted to join the Jacksonville Fire Department because it allows him to be both a paramedic and firefighter.
“I wanted to be able to be a firefighter and also be able to work on an ambulance,” Whisenhunt said. “To be a paramedic in Tyler, you are just a paramedic and the firefighters are just firefighters.”
Whisenhunt credits his wife Colleen for keeping things together while he attended the fire academy at Tyler Junior College during a career change.
“This whole career change in my 30s is exciting,” he said. “During Covid, I lost my job in IT and my wife supported us through me going to school.”
As a paramedic, Whisenhunt joins many family members in the medical field including his mother and wife who are nurses.
“I’m proud of him and I’m happy for him and I think he’s right where he’s supposed to be,” Colleen Whisenhunt said.
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