Hinsdale swears in firefighter-paramedic Eric Ruiz; chief introduces three new hires

The Village of Hinsdale swore in Eric Ruiz as a firefighter-paramedic and introduced two other recent hires to the Hinsdale Fire Department during the board meeting.

President Colling administered the oath to Eric Ruiz. Fire Chief Podolski told the board that Ruiz recently completed paramedic training at Central DuPage Hospital, previously worked as an EMT for Buzz Ambulance covering Harvey and Dalton, and earlier worked at Silver Cross Hospital. Chief Podolski described the probationary year as “both physically and mentally challenging” and urged Ruiz to rely on family support and the department "family." He said Ruiz will attend the fire academy in March to receive firefighter certification.

Chief Podolski also introduced Matt Daley, who was identified as assistant to the chief and described as having served as fire chief at the Stanislaus Consolidated Fire Protection District in California and previously as a deputy fire chief with Downers Grove. The chief introduced Jay Hansen as a fire inspector with 18 years of fire-service experience who is certified as a fire inspector by the state fire marshal and is a career firefighter-paramedic with his fire protection district.

Family members and guests for Ruiz — including Jimena Huiz, Gustavo Huiz, Jacob (identified as Ruiz’s younger brother) and Ruiz’s girlfriend Samantha — were present for the swearing-in. Chief Podolski offered closing remarks about the responsibilities and values expected of firefighters during the oath ceremony. No vote was required for the ceremonial swearing-in.