Apple Valley swears in two probationary firefighters

APPLE VALLEY, Minn. — The Apple Valley City Council on March 13 ceremonially welcomed two probationary firefighters after they completed their recruit training and probationary requirements.

Fire Chief Nelson introduced Eric Chin and Josh Waterbeck at the start of the ceremony and described their hiring and training timeline. "Well, thank you, mayor and city council, for hosting our badging ceremony tonight," Chief Nelson said. He told the council the two candidates applied in April 2023, completed written and physical testing, and joined a recruit class in September 2023 that covered emergency medical responder, Firefighter I and II, and hazardous materials operations.

The new firefighters recited the oath of office and were badged in a short ceremony. The city clerk administered the oath; Chin and Waterbeck each repeated the pledge and the oath to support the constitutions of the United States and the state of Minnesota and to faithfully discharge the duties of the office of firefighter in the city of Apple Valley and Dakota County.

Chief Nelson said both firefighters began responding to calls roughly a year after their application and completed on-the-job task books and driver training. He told the council that in January their captain approved the pair to come off probation and participate in the badging. Family members participated in the traditional pinning: Eric Chin chose his wife, Susan Chin, to pin his badge; Josh Waterbeck chose his daughter, Ellie Waterbeck.

The council and city officials thanked the new firefighters and their families for their service and support. No council action was required for the badging ceremony, which the meeting record lists as a ceremonial item under the regular agenda.

The council noted no further staff business and moved on to consent and other agenda items.