00:00The ceremony began with the introduction of the new Deputy Fire Chief, Kyle Hmel, a fourth-generation firefighter in Englewood, who aims to lead the department into the future with a focus on training and modern equipment. The swearing-in of the new firefighters—Zachary Smith, Kyle Farrington, Jonathan Gonzalez, Jake Schopflin, and Timothy Slattery—was conducted with the presence of city officials, family members, and the public. Each firefighter took an oath to uphold the Constitution and serve the city to the best of their ability, with the ceremony emphasizing their diverse backgrounds and dedication to public service.

03:15The new appointments increase the department’s total number of firefighters to 61, a milestone made possible through federal funding aimed at enhancing public safety. The grant was acknowledged as a factor in achieving this expansion, alongside the support of the city council and the city manager.