Editor’s note:
What ceremony or tradition does your department have to celebrate a firefighter who has completed the probationary period? Let us know and send your photos to [email protected]
By Michelle Dillon
Jacksonville Daily Progress
JACKSONVILLE, Texas – Two Jacksonville firefighters have earned the right to wear black helmets, as opposed to the orange helmets they were required to wear throughout their probationary training period.
Stephen Kloosterman and Dustin Whisenhunt were presented with their black helmets on Wednesday during a ceremony attended by their family members and fellow firefighters.
“The transition from the orange helmet to the black helmet is a very important step,” said Fire Chief Paul Findly. “It is a symbol of growth; a symbol of added responsibility.”
See how some departments recognize their probationary firefighters’ degrees
Findley said the black helmet represents many hours of learning and hands-on training.
“It’s important. It’s a big deal and we should make it a big deal,” he said. “I expect both of these guys to have very long careers.”
Stephen Kloosterman was celebrated by his family and members of the fire department as he received his black helmet on Wednesday
Kloosterman, who currently lives in Tyler, said he grew up in a firehouse. He follows his father and great-grandfather, who were both firefighters. Kloosterman went straight to the fire academy at Tyler Junior College after graduating high school.
“It’s definitely rewarding. It’s fulfilling,” he said of receiving his black helmet.
Fiancée Emma Dorman said she was looking forward to meeting Kloosterman.
“He’s been talking about it for a year,” she said.
Kloosterman’s father, Russell, who was with the fire department for 32 years, said his son had been a junior firefighter since he was 13.
His mother Becky said she was always happy when her son had a boring shift.
Both parents expressed their pride in Kloosterman’s achievement.
The awarding of the black helmet to Dustin Whisenhunt was celebrated on Wednesday by his family and members of the fire department.
Whisenhunt, who also lives in Tyler, said he wanted to join the Jacksonville Fire Department because he could work as both a paramedic and a firefighter.
“I wanted to be a firefighter and be able to work in an ambulance at the same time,” Whisenhunt said. “As a paramedic in Tyler, you’re just a paramedic and the firefighters are just firefighters.”
Whisenhunt credits his wife, Colleen, for holding everything together while he attended the fire academy at Tyler Junior College as part of a career change.
“This whole career change in my 30s is exciting,” he said. “During Covid, I lost my job in IT and my wife supported us while I went to school.”
As a paramedic, Whisenhunt works in the medical field like many other family members, including his mother and wife, who are nurses.
“I’m proud of him and happy for him. I think he’s exactly where he needs to be,” said Colleen Whisenhunt.
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