New Caney Fire Department hosts volunteer graduation

The New Caney Fire Department hosted the graduation ceremony of nine volunteer firefighters in the area. On the bottom row, from left, are Lonnie Cantwell and Randy Porter; top row, Lorren Goodrich, Steven Ray, Richard Mataska and James Parish. Not pictured are Bryan Wilson, James Witt and Jody Bell.

Besides four New Caney Fire Department volunteers – Lonnie Cantwell, Loren Goodrich, Bryan Wilson and Steven Ray – departments from surrounding areas were represented as well. Randy Porter and James Witt will work for Huffman’s fire department, Richard Mataska and James Parish for Bennett’s, and Jody Bell earned his certification to serve the Grangerland department.

“We always hope for a big graduating class to help keep our retention numbers up because these guys are volunteers and they may not want to stay with the department for a long time,” said Jeff Taylor, New Caney fire chief.

Men who donate their time and safety to protect their neighbors are always in demand. In the New Caney Fire Department, there are 35 paid employees and around 20 volunteers, Taylor said.

“Most of the gentlemen in this class have the desire to pursue a career in fire service, so they will go on and continue training while they are a volunteer firefighter,” Taylor explained.

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