The Minnetonka Fire Department recently held a badge-pinning ceremony honoring both its new and seasoned members. According to the City of Minnetonka, the August 21 event was attended by more than 70 people, including the proud families of these first responders. At this ceremony, five firefighters—Veronica Vasina, Libby Gryar, Isak Dahlmeier, Robert Gerdes, and Thomas Kyllo—were celebrated for completing their probationary periods.
During the poignant ceremony, these protectors of the community took an oath, vowing to "faithfully discharge the duties of the office to the best of their abilities and support the constitutions of the United States and Minnesota," as stated by the City of Minnetonka.
The Minnetonka Fire Department also took this moment to welcome new full-time firefighter technicians Craig Zaim, Markus Helmken, Brian Shorten, and Rich Alme into its ranks. They, along with their comrades, stood in unison, holding up their right hands as a symbol of their readiness to serve.
Promotion was also for exemplary service, as Brian Kodet ascended to the role of captain, as per the City of Minnetonka. And the leadership mantle shifted as well, with Deputy Chief Derek Metzger starting his new duties at the beginning of July.
