Graham Fire and Rescue in Pierce County just added 20 new firefighters, saying it should help them save lives with quicker response times.
“It’s awesome,” said newly hired firefighter Matt Lester. “It is an awesome place to be and it is an awesome profession.” Lester and the others were brought on board after voters in the area approved resuming the fire department levy, Prop One, and after getting a few words of encouragement from off-duty firefighters who went door-to-door.
Because of that, the department is able to fully staff each of its fire stations.
"We’re extremely excited,” said Lt. Jill D’Len. “This is something our department and our members have been looking forward to for years.” What allowed for the department to get these new hires in place this quickly was an additional federal grant that gave them the money to do so.