Ben Figlestahler is sworn in as newest Portsmouth firefighter

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By Frank Lewis

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At the age of 20 many people haven’t decided yet what they want to do with their lives. Ben Figlestahler is already doing it. The Minford native was sworn in Wednesday as the newest member of the Portsmouth Fire Department.

“It’s a good feeling,” Figlestahler said, with friends and family nearby. “I always wanted it so it’s nice to finally make it there.”

Figlestahler said he has been going to college, and at the same time farming with his father on the family farm.

“I went to Hocking College and that’s where I got my certification as a firefighter/EMT,” Figlestahler said.

What is he looking forward to the most?

“I’m looking forward to staying here,” Figlestahler said.

According to the Portsmouth City Charter, there is mandatory staffing level of 44 in both of the public safety departments.

“The Police Department is fully staffed, according to the charter,” Portsmouth City Manager Derek K. Allen said. “The Fire Department now is one person away from being fully staffed and we are in the process through Civil Service of requesting a name to move forward with the final position.”

Allen continued the theme of his talk with personnel earlier when he talked with the Daily Times.

“I think public safety is is the highest service to the city,” Allen said. “It’s the most important function and that’s why I’m a believer in fully staffing both the police and fire departments.”

Reach Frank Lewis at 740-353-3101, ext. 1928, or on Twitter @franklewis.

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Photo by Frank Lewis | Daily Times Ben Figlestahler (right) is sworn in as the newest member of the Portsmouth Fire Department by Portsmouth City Manager Derek K. Allen.
http://portsmouth-dailytimes.aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2015/09/web1_Firefighter.jpgPhoto by Frank Lewis | Daily Times Ben Figlestahler (right) is sworn in as the newest member of the Portsmouth Fire Department by Portsmouth City Manager Derek K. Allen.

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