By Marisa Dawson

The Bennington Fire & Rescue marked a significant milestone Friday evening as four new firefighter/EMT recruits were officially welcomed into the department, strengthening staffing levels at a time of rapid community growth.

The ceremony, held at the station and attended by family, friends, and fellow crew members, celebrated the completion of an intensive four-week academy and the beginning of the recruits’ careers serving the community.

Fire Chief Dan Mallory (pictured below) said the addition of four new members, made possible through a FEMA grant, will have an immediate impact on service capabilities. “That will give us six people per shift, 24 hours a day,” Mallory said.

The department has steadily increased staffing in recent years, growing from just three personnel per shift five years ago. “With the call volume increasing… this is one of the most rapidly growing districts in the state,” Mallory said. “So it’s extremely important that we keep up with that pace.”

The added staffing ensures that even when an ambulance crew is transporting a patient and temporarily out of service, a fully staffed fire engine remains ready to respond. “What we’re seeing is about 18% of the times we’re getting another back to back run,” Mallory explained. “So again, we need that extra staff and we need to get on scene within a couple minutes.”

While certifications such as Firefighter I, EMT, and hazardous materials operations are required, Mallory emphasized that character matters most. “It’s who they are, it’s their character… the work ethic overall, just attitude,” he said. “We can train them, but I can’t change attitude.”

That emphasis on culture was also shared by academy instructor Captain Jordan Smith, who described the transformation he witnessed over the four-week training. “Watching them go from having the basic information… and then watching them grow into what we mold them into and what we want them to do for Bennington Fire,” Smith said. “No big building stands on a weak foundation.”

Instructor Brad Utterback (pictured below) added that helping shape the next generation is both meaningful and necessary. “We always have to invest in the future, because one day I’ll be ready to retire, and so I need them to be able to pick up my place,” he said. “It’s an honor to be able to do it… help mold and craft our future.”

The academy compressed what is often a 16-week training program into just four weeks, focusing on department-specific operations, teamwork, and high-intensity scenarios.

Recruit Kennedy Karschner described the experience during the ceremony as both challenging and transformative. “This academy was definitely a grind… a physical and mental effort, the hours of labor and studying that we put in each day,” she said. “But it builds us into a team and people who are ready to show up when it matters.”

A new tradition introduced during this academy, the creation of a “guidon,” or unit flag, symbolized unity, perseverance, and shared identity. The recruits were tasked with protecting it throughout training, reinforcing teamwork and accountability.

Each of the four new firefighters shared a common motivation: a desire to serve. Cole Keller, a lifelong Bennington resident, called the opportunity deeply personal. “I’ve lived here in Bennington for my entire life… it’s been a goal of mine to serve the community that has served me,” he said. Keller noted the changes the group encountered throughout the four-week academy session. “The first week, nobody really wanted to talk to each other… As we get to some of those challenges, you start to mold and bend as a group. By the end of week three, you’re such a team,” he added.

Isaac Jancouskas, a former Air Force member, said the role aligns with his background. “My ability to serve… not just people that I work with, but the people that are also with us, supporting us,” he said.

For Kennedy Karschner, the transition from volunteer to career firefighter is a dream realized. “It’s an incredible honor… one that I’ve been chasing for a while now,” she said. “I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself.”

Kyle Jensen described a long journey to reach the milestone. “Four years of hard work… to finally be able to see all the hard work come to fruition. It’s just amazing,” he said. “My boss at the time actually was a volunteer here, so he kind of pushed me to pursue this as a career, and I ended up loving it.”

Assistant Chief Chad Nixon reinforced the deeper purpose behind the profession during the ceremony, sharing emotional stories of lives saved by the department. “That’s the why,” Nixon said. “Those little moments… that matter most.”

Chief Mallory also emphasized the responsibility and trust placed in firefighters. “A mother is willing to immediately hand her child over to you, knowing you’ll protect that child with your life,” he said. “That’s what the fire service is about.” He reminded recruits that the badge represents more than a job: it represents a lifelong commitment to service, courage, honor, and respect. Those badges were pinned on each new firefighter by someone of their choosing, including significant others and parents.

The four recruits completed their final night of training at the ceremony and were expected to begin shifts over the weekend. They now enter a probationary period where training will continue on the job. “I look forward to absolutely growing my knowledge more as we continue through our probationary period,” Jancouskas added.

For the department, and the community, the addition of these firefighters represents more than increased staffing. It reflects a continued investment in safety, service, and the future.

“We want to welcome you to our family,” Mallory told the recruits. “Welcome to the best profession in the world.”