The Centralia City Fire Department has sworn in a new lieutenant.
Devan Orrill was given the oath by City Clerk Kim Enke at Centralia City Hall on Thursday afternoon.
“Three years ago I started a dream, and it still feels like a dream,” Orrill said. “I get to come to work and not feel like I’m going to work. I get to work with the best people a guy can ask for to work next to, and when I go to work it almost feels like a vacation from three rugrats. I’ve been in the passenger’s seat of a firetruck before, but I’ve been in the passenger’s seat of an ambulance a lot more. I have some experience, I won’t claim to be the best, but I like to learn. I’ve gone to as many classes as I can to further my knowledge.”
Centralia fire lieutenant Devan Orrill with family at his swearing-in.
Orrill replaces John Cavaletto, who recently retired.
“I’ve been a fireman for twenty-six and a half years, and I know when it’s time to go. I’m fifty-six years old, and the career only lasts so long for people to do this kind of job, which is a very rewarding job, but I’ve had enough. I want to see my grandkids; I want to watch them grow up and I want to watch my own kids finish growing up.”
Cavaletto says his career as a fireman began when he was looking for a job as World Color Press was closing and the suggestion was made that he apply at the Centralia Fire Department.
Fire Chief Jeff Day says Orrill is an excellent firefighter. He commended Cavaletto for his help over the years.
Day reported the department will soon have a new firefighter. He says the top candidate is currently undergoing pre-employment screenings. Days says if he makes it through the tests, the new fireman will hit the ground running since he already has most of the EMT and Firefighter training.
