June 6, 2015 - Thunder Bay Fire Rescue (TBFR) welcomed seven new firefighters today at a New Recruit Graduation Ceremony at the Thunder Bay Fire & Emergency Services Regional Training Complex.

 "Recruit Class Graduation days are some of the proudest days for TBFR," said Fire Chief John Hay. "We are privileged, along with family and friends, to recognize very special individuals who have dedicated themselves and made the sacrifices needed to reach the goal of becoming a firefighter. That effort is not just measured in weeks at recruit school, but in years of preparing themselves to challenge for those few openings. We look forward to their continued professional commitment to TBFR and to the citizens of Thunder Bay for their entire careers.

"It's important to recognize the hard work and dedication these individuals have put in to reach this point. We thank each new firefighter and their families for their commitment to Fire Rescue and the citizens of Thunder Bay."

Mayor Keith Hobbs, Chief Hay and Deputies Hankkio and Paxton, members of Administration and the Thunder Bay Professional Firefighters Association, presented badges to:

  • Adam Bilenki
  • Mark Black
  • Graham Fron
  • Jevon Kavalchuk - Valedictorian
  • Jared Rosenfeld
  • Jonathan Pettigrew
  • Mitchel Van Ramshorst

The new recruits, who completed a rigorous 18-week training program under the Training Division, bring Fire Rescue personnel back to a full complement of 213.

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Contact:  Valerie Marasco, Supervisor - Corporate Communications, 625-2438, cell 621-4151 or



 vmarasco@thunderbay.ca