Kaden Bartley, Brayden Shoaff, Wesley Smith join firefighting ranks

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The Kokomo Fire Department welcomed three new firefighters into its ranks this week at an induction ceremony on March 10. The council chambers at City Hall filled with family, friends, and well-wishers as the men accepted their badges and took their oath of office.

Fire Chief Paul Edwards introduced each of the new firefighters, sharing a few details about each of them. Kaden Bartley is a third-generation firefighter, Edwards explained. His father, Landen, is a captain with KFD and was present to hold the Bible as his son was sworn into service. His grandfather was a firefighter in South Bend.

“Kaden told me that it was his dream to be a firefighter, and that’s awesome,” said Edwards. “He tells me he spends a lot of time outdoors. He’s getting used to the schedule, as 24-hour shifts are a lot. He’s loving it more every day, which is good. He loves the brotherhood and joining another family.”

Brayden Shoaff comes to Kokomo with some experience already under his belt. He transferred to Kokomo from the Monticello Fire Department.

“We are very glad to have him,” said Edwards. “He described the job as good. He has a good mindset, and he is hard working. I asked him if he was having fun, and he said, yes. I asked if he could describe the fun? Nope, but he is learning a lot. And we’re happy.”

Wesley Smith is the first of his family to become a professional firefighter, though he isn’t a stranger to the profession. His father and grandfather both served as volunteer firefighters. Smith’s hiring was special for Chief Edwards because he was the one to deliver the news.

“I’ll never forget the day that I called to congratulate Wesley that he was going to get the job,” said Edwards. “He was driving through Kokomo with his wife to his grandfather’s funeral. The phone was on speaker, and when I told him that he got the job, I could hear his wife start crying in the car. That is one of those special moments you really want in this job.

“Wesley tells me he likes the diversity of the people, and they are ‘a group of characters.’ He likes that we are old school and don’t “over policy” our way out of doing the job. That’s spoken like a firefighter right there.”

Mayor Tyler Moore was proud to deliver the oath of office to the three new Kokomo firefighters.

“One of the best parts of being a mayor is when you get the opportunity to welcome new members to the family,” said Moore. “Thank you for what you’re now embarking upon, the sacrifice that you’re making, and the commitment that you’re making to our community.

“I extend that thanks to the family and to the friends who are here and will continue to support them. Some of you already have experience in firefighter life. You know there’s going to be missed holidays, missed games, missed special occasions. So, on behalf of a grateful city, thank you parents, grandparents, family, and friends, for the sacrifices that you’re now making for the citizens of the city of Kokomo.”

Following the swearing-in, the firefighters and their supporters moved to Fire Station No. 1 for a reception.