Mesquite Fire and Rescue raises the bar during swearing-in ceremony

L to R: Fire Chief Jayson Andrus, Capt. Ryan Thornton, firefighter Colby Anderson and Deputy Chief Shawn Tobler at swearing-in ceremony held Aug. 27, 2018, Mesquite, Nev. | Photo courtesy of Spencer Lewis, St. George News

ST. GEORGE — A newly-appointed captain was sworn-in while a recently-hired recruit joined the ranks of Mesquite Fire and Rescue during a ceremony attended by more than 50 firefighter,s family members, officials and friends Monday morning in Mesquite, Nevada.

Fire Chief Jayson Andrus pins captain’s badge onto Ryan Thornton’s uniform during swearing-in ceremony held Aug. 27, 2018, Mesquite, Nev. | Photo courtesy of Spencer Lewis, St. George News

The ceremony began at 8:30 a.m. at Fire Station No. 3 on John Deere Drive where Ryan Thornton took the oath of office and a captain’s badge was pinned to his uniform, ushering in a new position for the 20-year veteran of the department.

The event was officiated by Mesquite Fire Chief Jayson Andrus, who took the helm as chief of Mesquite Fire and Rescue in February after being recommended for the position by Mesquite Police Chief Troy Tanner.

Firefighter Colby Anderson, the newest addition to the department, was also sworn in Monday and will serve on Thornton’s crew.

Mesquite Fire Capt. Spencer Lewis, who is also serving as the department’s public information officer, said that Thornton’s promotion is “very well deserved” and that he “has the respect of the crew and everyone in the department.”

Firefighter Colby Anderson with wife Cecy and daughter Sophia during swearing-in ceremony at Mesquite Fire and Rescue’s Station No. 3 Aug. 27, 2018, Mesquite, Nev. | Photo by Ron Chaffin, St. George News

Lewis added that he became the public information officer, a position previously filled by Thornton, as part of an administrative position that was recently created and includes managing firefighter and EMS training.

Additionally, the swearing-in ceremony reflects the changes that began in July 2017 with the reorganization of the department’s chain of command, he said, and a captain position opened up as a result of staffing rotations that continue. Thornton fits his new role well.

“This is exciting and I know that Ryan has been a valuable resource and will serve very well in this position,” Lewis said.

Capt. Ryan Thornton and his crew gather for a group photo after swearing-in ceremony held Aug. 27, 2018, Mesquite, Nev. | Photo courtesy of Spencer Lewis, St. George News

Thornton’s appointment comes as Mesquite’s population continues to grow, prompting the fire department to increase staffing, which, Thornton said, “has grown in leaps and bounds over the last several months.”

“I am excited to grow and to move forward with this department as it expands to meet the needs of those we help.”

Mesquite Fire & Rescue has three stations, two of which are manned with rotating crews, and the department has 27 full-time and 15 part-time firefighting personnel who serve more than 20,000 residents in an area that covers approximately 32 square miles.

The department also provides ambulance services 24 hours a day, including basic, intermediate and advanced life support services.

In 2017 the department responded to more than 2,800 emergency medical calls, a number that has steadily increased each year and accounts for more than 85 percent of the total number of calls dispatched to the fire department.

Mesquite Fire & Rescue also provides mutual aid support to unincorporated areas of Clark County, as well as areas within Arizona when needed.

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2018, all rights reserved.

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