Toledo fire department swears in 43 new recruits

New class faces 22-week training course

Toledo Fire and Rescue Department Battalion Chief Dave Dauer administers the oath of office to 43 new fire recruits a during a ceremony at One Government Center.

Forty-three men and women were sworn in today to the Toledo Fire and Rescue Department's training academy before a large crowd in Toledo City Council's chambers.

At the ceremony, which started at 10 a.m., fire Chief Luis Santiago told the recruits they were chosen from a long-list of people to become "the cream of the crop" and must approach the 22-week training as "all in."

PHOTO GALLERY: New recruits join Toledo fire department

Mayor Mike Bell, a former fire chief and state fire marshal, told the recruits that fire fighting is "one of the most honorable professions" and the Toledo Fire Department is "one of the finest fire organizations" in the country.

The recruits were also warned to get in the habit of never being late.

"When we're late, it costs someone their life," the mayor said.