The Elon Fire Department has been working to conduct numerous evaluations for potential firefighters.
Candidates at the Elon Fire Department are required to complete several assessments and participate in panel and chief interviews.
Most recently, from June 19 to 22, the candidates participated in agility drills. Over the course of 30 minutes, they had to simulate a victim drag, working to move a prop body trapped in hazardous conditions to a different location, similar to the real-life experience of saving a person from a fire.
Division Chief Brandon Waddell, a 10-year member of the fire department, said he has seen and experienced this training first hand, and this test is designed to let trainees know what they’re getting into.
In addition, the agility assessment specifically tests candidates’ ability to move efficiently while in gear and using a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus air pack, which can cause claustrophobia. Waddell said this is to ensure candidates are “understanding the components and restrictions that you gain, just from putting on one of those SCBAs.”
There is also a running portion of about 300 yards to increase the candidates’ heart rates, which results in a change in breathing rate. In the field, firefighters only have the oxygen in their SCBA air pack, meaning they must be able to keep their breathing controlled.
Candidates must also travel up and down the department’s four-story training tower multiple times, modeled after multistory buildings in the town of Elon.
Fire Engineer Brock Jones said these assessments are demanding, both mentally and physically.
“It tests your physical endurance and different physical aspects of the job, which is why it’s important, especially for new people,” said firefighter Dawson Lee.
The Elon Fire Department has been serving the community for over 100 years, not just fighting fires but pushing into the classroom, hosting community events and being role models for all.
“I have something to offer to the citizens and want to make a difference in the community,” Waddell said.
Jones, a 26-year veteran of the department, also discussed his desire to help people, which initially pushed him to join the department.
Firefighters said they believe their work is not just about putting out fires or answering 911 calls, but it’s also about connecting with people in the community and the team they work with. According to Division Chief Brandon Waddell, it’s about being present, being professional and being ready for anything.
“You see people on their worst days,” Captain Jacob Flint said.
Gionni Foreman
Gionni Foreman is from Washington, D.C., where he currently resides. Gionni is a rising senior at KIPP DC: Legacy College Preparatory, where he’s a member of many different and unique clubs. He’s a high-ranking member of the Student Government Association, currently serving as vice president with hopes of being president next year. Gionni is also a multi-sport athlete. He’s been playing football for 12 years, making it his longest athletic commitment. Known for his outgoing personality, Gionni loves to make new friends. He hopes to pursue a career in politics, where he would focus on bettering the education system.
Mariana Prieto
Mariana Prieto was born in Queens, New York, where she attends Benjamin N. Cardozo High School. She discovered her love for literature in elementary school, when she could always be found with a book in hand. Now a rising senior, Mariana has been a dedicated member of her school’s paper, The Verdict, and will serve as a senior editor next year. She also has a passion for graphic design, which began in her freshman year graphic design course. She served as the head of the marketing and media committee for her school’s Key Club and table tennis team, where she was able to combine her love for writing and design. In addition to running their social media, Mariana is a member of the varsity table tennis and tennis teams. She is actively involved in her school’s Creative Writing, Model UN, La Ciudad Hispana and Big Sib clubs. Outside school, Mariana interned for Councilwoman Linda Lee’s 2023 re-election campaign and previously wrote for Teens for Press Freedom, a student-led organization that fights against government censorship. She plans to major in journalism, with a possible minor in political science or graphic design.
Madison Steptoe
Madison Steptoe is a junior who lives in Yonkers, New York, but attends White Plains High School. She has always had an interest in writing stories, especially true stories with interesting backgrounds. When she was little, she created her own news channel on iMovie and had a lot of fun with it. She joined the newspaper in sixth grade and continued with it through middle school and high school. She is also vice president of the Black Awareness club and treasurer of the ROAR Magazine. She is also a part of the varsity softball team and plays outside of school, too. She writes in her free time, really enjoys this career and is extremely excited for EJP.