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La Salle Fire Chief Jerry Janick expects a smooth transition with his newest full-time firefighter, Kyle Camatti, who was sworn in Thursday at City Hall.
The Standard native has served his hometown fire department for 15 years and already is working in La Salle as an emergency medical technician. He will attend paramedic school and the fire academy in Champaign before joining the La Salle fire department full time.
“I’m glad to be a part of the team,” Camatti said. “I’m looking forward to helping make it safer for La Salle citizens and visitors.”
Janick said Camatti’s hire is the first of three full-time firefighters as the city transitions to cross-trained firefighter/EMT-paramedics who can serve in a dual role. The new hires will be required to be certified EMT-paramedics within a reasonable amount of time as a condition of employment.
The fire department has exhausted its current list of applicants and is taking another round through March 5. To apply, visit shorturl.at/UKzZl.
Janick believes that if the process goes well, he will be able to make two more hires by June or July.
“Kyle has worked as an EMT for us,” Janick said “We know he is capable.”