Kankakee, IL – Joshua Wichtner and Daniel Francis were sworn in as new Kankakee firefighters effective March 1, 2020.

“These two firefighters come highly recommended and we are pleased to have them with our department,” said Fire Chief, Damon Schuldt.

Joshua Wichtner from Crescent City, Illinois has seven years of emergency medical services (EMS) experience and nine years serving in the Watseka Fire Department, Monee Fire Protection District and the Bourbonnais Fire Protection District. Wichtner’s brother has been with the Kankakee Fire Department for four years.

“My brother helped me get into it. I’m very excited to be here and I have heard a lot of good things about the department. Serving the community has always been my goal. I enjoy helping people and get a sense of satisfaction out of it,” said Firefighter, Joshua Wichtner.

Wichtner holds certifications in basic operations firefighter, advance cardio life support (ACLS), pediatric advance life support (PALS), cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and international trauma life support (ITLS).

Off duty, Wichtner says he enjoys racing, woodworking and sports.

Daniel Francis from Peotone, Illinois has three years in the fire service. Francis served with the Peotone Fire Protection District, Crete Fire Department, New Lenox Fire Protection District and the Manteno Fire Department. Francis now looks forward to serving the City of Kankakee.

“This is a great department with many guys who have a lot of experience. I’m still a young fireman, but my goal is to be the best fireman and paramedic I can be. I know I can do it here,” said Firefighter, Daniel Francis.

Francis holds certifications in basic operations firefighter, emergency medical technician paramedic (EMT-P), firefighter apprentice engineer (FAE), cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), advance cardio life support (ACLS), prehospital trauma life support (PHTLS), and pediatric advance life support (PALS). In his free time, Francis says he enjoys fishing and his motorcycle.

“I would like to congratulate both firefighters Joshua Wichtner and Daniel Francis as the City of Kankakee welcomes them to the department. We look forward to their service in our community,” said Mayor Wells-Armstrong.

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The City of Kankakee is dedicated to protecting, building and nurturing the community while enhancing lives. We are a historic, vibrant, and active riverfront community. We continue to transform into an extraordinary place to dream, grow, and thrive. Embracing our diversity, we strive to be progressive, inclusive, and innovative. For more information on the City of Kankakee, please visit the website at www.citykankakee-il.gov.

 

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