Chief Paul Niedbalski swears in six new members into the HFD.

Dignitaries looked on Thursday evening. January 8th, at the Hurricane Fire Station as six new hires joined the ranks of the Hurricane Fire Department and six other members were promoted to the ranks of Assistant Chief and Captain.

State Fire Commissioner Tommy Keefer, State Fire Marshal Ken Tyree, Putnam County Fire Director Dave Turley, and Hurricane Mayor Scott Edwards watched as Hurricane Fire Chief Paul Niedbalski presided. All three of Putnam’s County Commissioners and members of Hurricane City Council were in attendance.

While the additions to the HFD and the promotions were noteworthy, it was the response of the HFD in rescuing the driver of an 18-wheeler from the cab of the vehicle which was dangling the side of a bridge in Mason County in November which brought the State Fire Commissioner and the State Fire Marshal to Hurricane. Niedbalski developed and executed the rescue plan which involved a rope rescue of the driver.

Hurricane Firefighter Westley Quinn descended from the bridge, entered the cab with a harness, attached the harness to the driver and himself, and was lifted to safety. Quinn was recognized as Hurricane’s Firefighter of the Year for his action.

Receiving promotions to Assistant Chief were John Ivester and Darin Virag. Adam Bryant, Corey Burdette, and Blake Frame were appointed to Captain.

The new firefighter hires were Dillan Collias, Michael Estep, Joseph Funderburk, Christopher Howell, Tyler Melson and Austin Noble.