MARYSVILLE — The Marysville Fire District has a “Bulldog” among the members of its force.
It also has a “Truckie” and an “Engine.”
The first one isn’t a dog, the other two aren’t vehicles and none of the terms are nicknames.
They’re awards won by new firefighters who graduated earlier this month from the Washington State Fire Academy in Burien.
The 12 firefighters were hired recently to help the district fill out its staff for its brand new station in Sunnyside at 7217 40th St. NE.
The new crew brings the district’s total of firefighters, paramedics and emergency medical technicians to 80. The new hires will be spread among the district’s five stations, including Sunnyside.
The Marysville recruits walked away with several awards among their graduating class of 37, said Kristen Thorstensen, spokeswoman for the fire district.
Firefighter Brien Gronemyer won a class leader award, a weekly honor, plus a Truckie and a Bulldog.
The Truckie “is in recognition of their hustle, desire and drive” in using heavy equipment and gear, Thorstensen said.
The Bulldog award is given weekly to a new recruit who shows the most determination. The Engine is for the standouts of the group, Thorstensen said.
“They are ready to go as soon as they’re done, they get it, they display knowledge and great level of skill and decision making,” she said. “They’re courteous, they take orders and direction well with a minimum of guidance.”
In other awards won by the Marysville recruits, Grant Elsworth won a Truckie and Bulldog; Andrew Vander Veen won an Engine and a Bulldog; and Michael Lewis came away with a Bulldog.
The firefighters graduated Nov. 7, in time for the Sunnyside station’s opening Nov. 15.
Reporter Bill Sheets: 425-339-3439 or sheets@heraldnet.com.
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