ASHLAND — The city’s fire department welcomed two young firefighters on Monday morning.
John Miller, 22, of Medina; and Luke Hamman, 21, of Shiloh, began a one-year probationary period following the quick ceremony at Central Station.
Each will earn $62,670.92 during their one-year probationary period, which includes stipends. Once the probationary period is up, they will earn approximately $68,105.96, according to fire Chief Rick Anderson.
Exact salary figures may be different because the division’s union contract will undergo negotiations this year, said Sally Strine, the division’s administrative assistant.
Anderson said both positions are replacements. Once their probationary periods are fulfilled, the city’s fire division will reach full staff at 38, he said.
“It’s great,” he said. “They’re two young, energetic guys — eager. They both have a passion to start their careers here — they join an elite group of firefighters.”
Miller will replace a vacancy that has been unfilled, and Hamman’s hire will replace a retirement set for late April.
Ashland Mayor Matt Miller encouraged the young hires to remember they are being watched.
“The moment you put on that uniform, you are a leader,” he said, standing inside the fire division’s Central Station on Cleveland Avenue. “People are always watching.”
He encouraged them to strive for excellence, just like all the other public servants who work for the city.
He said a good firefighter works well with others and the team, trusts the teammates and knows what they’re doing.
“But we have good people here that will train you. They’re professionals,” Miller said. “But there’s one more thing. I think a good firefighter realizes this is a calling of public service.
“That’s what we’re looking for — people who see this not as another paycheck, but as a calling … And I believe we’ve found them in you,” the mayor said.
Miller, a paramedic, said he chose Ashland partly because it was the first city to reach out after applying elsewhere.
“As I met the guys here, I saw that everyone is awesome,” he said.
Hamman is currently attending school to complete paramedic training. He also currently serves for Shiloh Village Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter, a position he’s held for three years and plans to continue.
“I grew up in the area. I went to church in Ashland, so I’ve been familiar with it,” he said.
Hamman also knows a couple Ashland firefighters through his involvement at Shiloh fire, making his decision to join Ashland an easy one.