The Amherst Fire and EMS District would like to recognize some of its members for achieving major milestones.

Firefighter Adam Skibicki has successfully completed his probationary period. Adam is a full-time realtor with First Weber Real Estate and volunteers for the Fire District. Adam resides in the Village of Amherst Junction. He started with the Fire District in October 2020. To move from probationary status to full member, Adam had to serve one year and complete the state-required basic firefighter training, called Entry Firefighter. However, he did not stop there. Adam also completed the Entry Level Driver Operator class and the Entry Level Aerial Operator class. These classes are required for anyone that will be driving and operating pumping and aerial apparatus at an emergency scene.

When asked why he decided to join the department, Adam said it was the desire to give back to the community where he grew up. He also stated that people who volunteer seem to be a dying breed, and he wanted to be an example and role model for his two sons. He sees volunteering for the fire district as teaching them about helping others. Finally, he added that he is a little bit of an adrenaline junky. Serving on the fire department gives him the opportunity to see where the fire trucks are going and participate in what the crews are doing once they get there.

Other milestones

As well as Adam completing his probationary period, several new members joined the department and other members have completed classes, including:

• Four new emergency medical services (EMS) personnel. Registered Nurses Jenny Blenker and Heather Schultz and Emergency Medical Technician Melissa Mancl are serving as First Responders and Ambulance Crew Members. Probationary Firefighter Randall Wolff is completing his Emergency Medical Responder training and will join the First Responder Squad upon completion of the class.
• Two new members, Probationary Firefighters Randall Wolff and Mike Klieforth, completed the Entry Firefighter program.
• In addition to Skibicki, Firefighter/Paramedic Willow Macy also completed the Entry Level Driver Operator course.

The department would like to congratulate and thank these members, and all of its members, for their continued efforts and for their commitment to the community. They would also like to thank the community they serve for their support.

If you are interested in joining the team at the Amherst Fire and EMS District, visit the website at amherstfd.org, send an email to info@amherstfd.org or call the station at (715) 824-2699.