Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory firefighter Kevin Terrazas has his badge pinned on his uniform by his mother, Faviola Ruzis, after Terrazas was given the oath of office by Warsaw Mayor Jeff Grose Friday at the Board of Public Works and Safety meeting.

Text and Photos
By David Slone
Times-Union

WARSAW — With his probationary period completed, Kevin Terrazas took the oath of office as a Warsaw-Wayne Fire territory firefighter Friday, March 1, from Mayor Jeff Grose.

Before giving Terrazas the oath at the start of the Warsaw Board of Public Works and Safety meeting, Grose had everyone who is or had in the past served in emergency services stand up. He then told them, “I want to thank all of you for your service. … I do appreciate it. We now have another young man from our community who is stepping forward, doing the serious business that we’ve asked you to do, so I greatly appreciate that.”

Reading from the city’s employee newsletter regarding the Feb. 18 house fire on West Center Street, he said, “Amidst the intensity of the firefighting, moments of leadership, training, teamwork shown through, showcasing the strength and unity of our fire department.”

A photo by Times-Union photographer Gary Nieter from the house fire was shown on the big screen in the city council chambers and had been incorporated into the newsletter. The photo showed firefighters Cody Bixler and Terrazas on the roof of the home.

“With Cody assuming the role of mentor, guiding Kevin through his first roof fire, this moment showcased not only Cody’s leadership, but also the importance of ongoing training within our fire department,” Grose read. “Chief Brian Mayo summarized the essence of the operation, noting that everyone knew their jobs and worked in a coordinated effort to get the job done. This event resonates with the broader priorities of my office by earning citizen trust through exemplary service, strengthening inter-governmental relations through collaborative efforts with neighboring departments like Leesburg and Winona Lake. … And maintaining exceptional standards within our police and fire departments, we reinforce the foundations of a resilient and driving community.”

Warsaw Mayor Jeff Grose, right, gives Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory firefighter Kevin Terrazas the oath of office Friday at the Board of Public Works and Safety meeting.

Grose said Terrazas was another young man willing to step forward. He said he appreciated everyone in “this business and then gave Terrazas the oath, with Terrazas then giving Grose a big hug.

Terrazas’ mother, Faviola Ruzis, pinned his badge on his uniform before photos were taken.

In the new hire/change in payroll report, presented by Warsaw Human Resource Director Denny Harlan and approved by the board, it included Joel Shilling changing positions to the new fire marshal/inspector for the fire territory. In the full-time position, he will be receiving $3,026.79 biweekly.

Shilling replaces Joe Fretz, who retired recently from the fire territory. However, Fretz is joining the Warsaw Municipal Airport as a line technician at $22 per hour.

The other change is Heather Vogts moving from the Warsaw Parks and Recreation Department to the fire territory as the fire chief’s assistant at $26 per hour. Vogts will replace Shirley Fetrow, who is retiring at the end of March.