Decked out in their Class A dress uniforms, staff with Clallam County Fire District 3 came together on March 12 to welcome firefighter/paramedic Casey Sires as the district’s newest career firefighter.

As is customary, Sires — surrounded by family, friends and coworkers — took part in a badge pinning ceremony that celebrates was district staff call a “grueling” year of probation.

The event kicked off with Post #1003 Explorers Anna Fallon, Ellie Turner and Tyler Turner carrying in the U.S. and Washington state flags and Fire District 3’s ceremonial axe followed by Fire Chief Ben Andrews, Chief Tony Hudson and Sires. The processional was accompanied by Port Angeles bagpiper Nathan Carroll.

After an invocation and “Blessing of the Badge” delivered by Chaplin Dave Westman, assistant chief Hudson welcomed the assembly and shared a bit about Sires and his journey to becoming a firefighter. Andrews administered the Firefighter Oath which is taken by every firefighter, volunteer or career, entering or promoting in the fire service. The oath includes the promise “to be ready at all times to help others when they can no longer help themselves.”

Sires’ wife Rachelle pinned his badge, and after being congratulated by the chiefs and district commissioner Bill Miano, Sires enjoyed a round of group photos and a reception in his honor.

Casey Sires, center, is joined by fellow staff from Clallam County Fire District 3 at a badge pinning ceremony on March 12. Photo courtesy of Clallam County Fire District 3