MANSFIELD — Kellen Kiser traveled more than 2,700 miles to be a Mansfield firefighter.
Kiser, adopted from Guatemala at a young age before growing up in Galion, was one of two new firefighters sworn in Monday morning.
He joined fellow newcomer Luke Kocab, an Ashland County native, in pushing the Mansfield Fire Department to full staffing with 93 sworn firefighters.
Kiser graduated from Galion High School in 2022 and Kocab from Hillsdale High School in 2017.
Chief Dan Crow welcomed the new firefighters during a ceremony in the training room of Station 1 at 140 E. Third St.
“I will start by telling you guys thanks for joining our department. I know there are a lot of opportunities out there for firefighters these days. It really means something to me personally and to our department that you’re interested in becoming part of our team,” Crow said.
“We want to guide you and help lead you to a very successful and safe career here at the Mansfield Fire Department,” the chief said.
(Below are photos from Monday morning’s swearing-in ceremony for new Mansfield firefighters Kellen Kiser and Luke Kocab. The story continues below the photos.)
Crow also thanked family members and friends for supporting the new firefighters.
“You play a very important part in their career and their development. A support system in today’s world is essential for our first responders. They are going to be in some very difficult situations. Having a good family support system is crucial for them in their mental well-being and in their growth as professionals,” the chief said.
Mansfield Safety-Service Director Keith Porch administered the oath of office to the duo.
“You have chosen a career in the fire service. It’s an honorable profession, one that’s rooted in tradition and history. You’re joining a team of Mansfield firefighters that have gone back for over a century,” Porch said.
“These guys will be here to support you and they’ll be here to teach and guide you. All we ask is you give your best every single day and continue to be open to learn and improve yourself and to serve our citizens.”
Kocab said he has worked as a volunteer firefighter and also part-time in some smaller township departments.
“I wanted to be somewhere where I’d be able to make a difference and get good experience,” he said. “Some departments don’t necessarily get to see as much as Mansfield does.
“I want to be somewhere where I’d be able to use learn (new) skills and use those skills,” he said.
Like Kocab, Kiser said he would happy working as a firefighter or paramedic. All Mansfield firefighters must also become paramedics.
“I think there is enjoyment you can get out of (both),” he said. “I appreciate the physicality and problem solving you get on the firefighting side.
“But inversely, you get a lot of that with EMS and it’s always a new challenge. I’m excited to take that on, one run at a time,” Kiser said.
The next step for the new probationary firefighters is eight weeks of orientation in the MFD.
“We have a very structured program that will introduce them to every aspect of the department. They will get a lot of hands-on training, in addition to sitting here in the classroom and get instruction in terms of our procedures and how the department is structured,” Crow said.
“They are going to have a very busy eight weeks ahead.”
