Affton Fire District Hires 3, Keeping On Task With District Restructuring

Last week firefighters and their families gathered to celebrate the District's three newest hires, Dan Gruener, Blair Easton and Brandon Hogan.

Chief Jim Fritz led the ceremony in which the probationary firefighters took the District's Oath of Service. Dan, Blair and Brandon were presented with their badges and officially "pinned" (a presentation where officials attach an insignia to a new employee's collar to mark him/her as a member of the organization). Chief Fritz explained the vision and values of the District and reaffirmed the District’s dedication to providing the very best service possible to its residents and community. All three firefighters were then welcomed by current employees and their families.

The three new employees started their probationary employment and training program several weeks ago. All three are now assigned to their respective shifts and are working with their Captains and Lieutenants to complete their training extensive programs.

Dan Gruener is a firefighter and paramedic who began as a Reserve Firefighter with the Affton Fire District in November 2009. Dan also spent 7 years working for Abbott EMS. As a Reserve Firefighter and paramedic Dan helped organize and coordinate EMS training for the District's Reserve Program. He brings a high level of EMS competence and an established reputation for excellent care. He is currently assigned to the District's C Shift and is working under Captain Keith Skaggs and Lieutenant Don Woolem.   

Blair Easton worked for the New Orleans Fire Department from 2000 to 2004 when he moved to St. Louis to work at Jennings Fire Department until 2005, then Ferguson Fire Department. During his time at Ferguson he was working as a firefighter and decided that EMS was his true passion. He put himself through paramedic school and was licensed in August of 2011. Blair has an extensive amount of firefighting experience and an equal amount of enthusiasm toward his new career as a firefighter and paramedic. He is assigned to Captain Steve Davila and Lieutenant Steve Rahm on B Shift.

Brandon Hogan brings 4 years of volunteer firefighting experience and is also a licensed paramedic. He began as a volunteer at O'Fallon Fire District and then spent 3 years with the Cottleville Fire Protection District. Brandon was on Cottleville's Community Outreach Committee where he was instrumental in various fund raising events for community needs. His favorite accomplishment during his time on the committee was helping raise money for a Liberty Swing to be built in the Cottleville City Park. The Liberty Swing is designed to accommodate a child's wheelchair. It attaches to the chair, holds it off the ground and allows physically challenged kids to enjoy the experience of swinging at the playground. (For more information on the Variety Liberty Swing Project please visit www.libertyswing.com.au) Brandon is currently assigned to A Shift with Captain Ben Waser and Lieutenant Aaron Rhodes.

All three newly hired firefighter/paramedics are excited about their jobs and will be tremendous assets to the District's team. Say “Hi” and welcome them to our community if you see them out!