New City Firefighters Sworn In

Fourteen men and one woman were sworn in today as the newest members of Tampa Fire Rescue. Three new firefighters have been assigned to Central Tampa stations, one in Robles Park and two in Sulphur Springs.

Fire Chief Thomas Forward introduced the new firefighters to the community, saying they had endured a grueling training program and emerged as “the best of the best.” The 15 graduating recruits were the result of a culling process that began with 1,200 applicants.

More than 100 people gathered at the Tampa Firefighters Museum for the induction ceremony.

Forward warned the recruits and their assembled family members that being a fire and rescue worker means working long hours and often missing holidays and family gatherings. “They will be on watch,” he said.

Brittany Bishop, 23, was the only female recruit. She was selected as the class speaker. Jonathan Pendino, 29, was chosen by his instructors as the outstanding recruit.

Mayor Bob Buckhorn was present and reminded the recruits that they were joining “one of the premier departments in the country.”

Central Tampa gains three new firefighters. Titan Steele is assigned to Station 5, serving Tampa Heights and southern Seminole Heights. Roy Spence and Erik Hernandez are assigned to Station 11, serving Sulphur Springs.