Badges Pinned on Reinstated Firefighters

Members of the San Jose Fire Department, including Fire Chief William McDonald, welcomed back 22 of the 49 firefighters that were laid-off from the Department in August of 2010.

Chief McDonald pins a badge on returning firefighter.

The badge-pinning ceremony, held at the Department's Training Center on July 15,  was made possible thanks to a $15 million award received through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) Grants program.

Firefighter Ruben Torres, Jr. prepares to
receive his firefighter badge.

With family, media and Department members looking on the reinstated firefighters were all smiles as they received their badges.

All of the returning firefighters will begin a six week abbreviated refresher academy coordinated by Captains Glen McGuire and Dave Ennes.

Our congratulations goes out to all of the men and women rejoining the ranks of the San Jose Fire Department!