Portsmouth Mayor David Malone takes the time to swear in Portsmouth’s newest firefighter, Brandon Cline, Wednesday morning. Pictured left to right, Malone; Cline; Cline’s wife, Stephanie Cline; their baby Kalob Cline and Portsmouth Fire Chief Bill Raison.
Frank Lewis
PDT Staff Writer
Brandon Cline is Portsmouth’s newest firefighter. Cline was sworn in by Portsmouth Mayor David Malone in front of the Portsmouth city building, with two of Portsmouth’s fire trucks as backdrops Wednesday morning.
“It is something I have done since (2007) when I graduated,” Cline said. “I’ve been on the Porter Township Fire Department volunteering since that time. I got my paramedic and that just went along with the process.”
Cline, flanked by his wife Stephanie, with their 3 1/2-week-old son Kalob, and Portsmouth Fire Chief Bill Raison, was all smiles after Malone shook his hand.
“I’m pretty excited,” Cline said. “I’ve been trying to get here for a couple of years, and to finally get in, it is something I have been waiting on for a while. I’m excited.”
“Bringing on new guys brings on a lot of new opportunities for us,” Raison said. “And you see it with each generation. I remember when I came in. I had some new and different ideas, and some of the older guys just looked at us like - what is wrong with this generation? Now I’m looking down at the guys we’re bringing in. Even though they don’t always look at things the way we look at them, it doesn’t mean that there aren’t good things that can come, and time brings change and the next generation comes in and brings change, and I think a lot of times good change.
“I’m excited to have Brandon on board. He’s an excellent young man. He’s very dedicated. He has a family history in the fire service. He’s been a firefighter. He’s been a paramedic other places, and so he has experience that he is bringing to us. So we look forward to having him and seeing what he can do for the city.”
Frank Lewis may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 252, or at flewis@heartlandpublications.com
Post a Comment
