Newton Fire Department pins new firefighters

The Newton Fire Department recently pinned three new firefighters who recently completed their probationary periods. The newest additions also have a range of experience between them to bring to the department.

Isaac Hunsberger, Trent Baker and Brad Lundquist have joined the department and between the three there is a mix of prior experience with firefighting and also some homegrown firefighters, as well.

Lundquist grew up in Ankeny and originally pursued higher education in criminal justice. He initially wanted to become a police officer but decided to start his career at the Ankeny Fire Department before moving to the Newton Fire Department.

“I was part-time at Ankeny so the opportunity to have a full-time job was kind of a leading factor there. Also, Newton was getting a lot more calls,” Lundquist said.

Baker is originally from Newton and has always had an interest in being a firefighter since he was a kid. He was working at American Airlines before he came on with the Newton Fire Department.

“When I was a kid, my dad was a volunteer on the Newton Fire Department,” Baker said.

One thing Baker said has found different is adjusting to the schedule. He said moving from a 9 to 5 job then working 24-hour shifts has been a change. Baker said his favorite part, so far, has been the camaraderie between the firefighters he works with.

“You don’t think it will be that hard at first,” Baker said.

Hunsberger comes to the Newton Fire Department having experience as a volunteer with the Colfax Fire Department. Originally from Des Moines, Hunsberger moved to Colfax as a freshman in high school. He made the move from volunteer to full-time firefighter.

“I don’t think it was one thing that made me jump to professional firefighting other than there was a need in our community and I loved the firefighting life, being involved with it and that is what made me want to do it professionally,” Hunsberger said.

Having recently completed his probationary period, Hunsberger said he is looking forward to the continuation of learning. He said every call can pose its own challenge, no matter how routine the call may be.

“The thing I like about firefighting and ems in general is that you never stop learning,” Hunsberger said.

Moving forward, Lundquist said he is looking forward to continuing paramedic school. He also shared helpful tips for those interested in pursuing a career in emergency services including volunteering and participating in the public safety academy.

“I’m just looking forward to settling in and being one of the guys,” Lundquist said.

The new firefighters will all look to continue learning as they move past their probationary period and continue to integrate with their fellow firefighters.

“The thing I look forward to the most is just growing as a firefighter here in Newton and learning from guys who have been on the job for a long time,” Hunsberger said.

Contact Dustin Teays at 641-792-3121 ext. 6533 or dteays@newtondailynews.com