MIDLAND, TX (KWES) - The year long probation ended for some Midland firefighters.
On Friday, the department swore in 16 members officially making them firefighters. During the year long probation, the firefighters had to complete different types of orientation and Emergency Medical Services training.
Robert Isbell, Midland Fire Chief said, "Our firefighters, when they come on and complete their probationary period, they become a part of our family and having to live at the station with other firefighters, a third of their lives, it really becomes that."
From life changing experiences, to fulfilling a life long dream the ceremony had a different meaning for all of them.
Firefighter Jonatas "JP" Pereira said, "My apartment burned down and I lost everything. I was open to this profession when I saw the firefighters trying to save my property, stuff and pets. That's when I really started thinking about becoming a firefighter."
Firefighter Christian Vargas said, "It's a big deal. It's been a long time coming, it's been a dream of mine since I was a little kid. When firefighters would come and have drills and show kids what its all about, I was that kid in the middle of everything."
Midland Fire Chief Robert Isbell says along with their training and orientation the firefighters had to show good character towards citizens in the community. Some of the firefighters said they hoped to have a long career with goals from becoming a paramedic to battalion chief.
