THUNDER BAY -- Mitch Maunu is trading in his hockey skates for firefighting gear.
The former Lakehead Thunderwolves blueliner was one of eight Thunder Bay Fire Rescue recruits officially sworn in at the Thunder Bay Fire and Emergency Services Regional Training Complex Saturday morning.
While hockey was always a passion, becoming a firefighter is a dream Maunu has had since he was a young child.
“One of the platoon chiefs came to my class when I was very young and ever since then I think firefighting has always been on my mind as a profession,” he said.
Fellow recruits Tyler Plumridge, Curtis Ritchie, Leigh Shonosky, Chris Stecky, Daniel Terrill, Erik Tront and Scott Vaillant will join Maunu at city fire halls later this month.
The group of eight, who bring the department up to 221 firefighters, all received their badges and hats from Fire Chief John Hay and Deputy Fire Chiefs Greg Hankkio and Dave Paxton at the graduation ceremony.
They completed an 18 week training regimen under the supervision of the department’s training division.
Maunu said his hockey background, specifically being a part of a team environment, translates well to his new endeavours, though the stakes are a lot higher now.
“When there’s life safety on the line it’s not just a game anymore. Guys really need to trust each other and team play is huge,” he said.
“The camaraderie with the guys is very similar to a dressing room.”
The training program the eight new members completed was the most extensive in the history of the department, which Hay said is one of the most progressive in the country when it comes to preparation.
But just because they’re ready to report for duty doesn’t mean the education is over.
“I would never call them completely ready to go. They can safely participate in all the events and incidents we would go to,” Hay said. “They’ll be learning for a long time yet.”
The department also acknowledged veteran members during the ceremony, handing out pins on behalf of the City of Thunder Bay as well as Long Service Medal Awards.
Platoon Chief Joe Grzelewski, who joined the department in 1980, received recognition for his more than 30 years of service.
Though the end of his career is approaching, the longtime firefighter still remembers the start and how the new recruits are feeling.
“I recall my first night vividly…I started right on the truck,” he said. “With that comes a lot of uncertainty and a real sort of soul searching and finding your way on the job. It can be difficult and challenging but the rewards are definitely worth it.”
Maunu admitted he gets a little nervous when he thinks about what it will be like to walk through the doors in two weeks for his first shift.
He hopes an experienced firefighter will take him under their wing.
Grzelewski said it is the job of the senior leaders at each hall to get the new members acclimatized and enhance their abilities as a member of the department.
“We’re their mentors. We’ve been there and done the job so we pass along our skills and knowledge and how we handle difficult situations,” Grzelewski said.
“We’re there for support along the way.”
