The Columbus Fire Department is fully staffed after the hiring of three new firefighters. Capt. Mike Wilson, department spokesman, says that Firefighters Chris Baker, Monty Ball and Ryan Hirtzel were sworn in by Columbus Mayor Jim Lienhoop during Tuesday’s Board of Public Works and Safety meeting.

Baker is a 33-year-old Batesville resident. CFD says that he is certified as an Emergency Medical Technician, Rope Rescue Technician, Hazardous Materials Technician and Vehicle and Machinery Extrication Technician. He also holds a State of Indiana Firefighter I & II certification. Baker has served 12 years with the Batesville Volunteer Fire Department and four years as a full time firefighter with the Greensburg Fire Department.

Ball is a 40-year-old resident of Waldron. CFD says that he is a certified Paramedic Technician, Rope Rescue Technician, Hazardous Materials Technician, Vehicle and Machinery Extrication Technician, and holds a State of Indiana Firefighter I & II certification. Ball has worked for the Greenfield Fire Department for the past 10 years. He has also served as a part time firefighter for the Greenwood Fire Department and has worked in public safety for a 13 years.

Hirtzel is a 29-year-old graduate of Seymour High School. CFD says that Hirtzel is certified as a Paramedic Technician with additional training in Pediatric Life Support, Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support and Advanced Cardiac Life Support. He also holds a State of Indiana Firefighter I & II Certification and a Hazardous Materials Operations and Awareness certification. Hirtzel has served with Jackson County EMS for 9 years.

Wilson says that these firefighters will undergo a department orientation and training program before receiving their shift and station assignments.