HASTINGS, Neb. – The Hastings Fire and Rescue department is celebrating the addition and promotions of six members, whose presence on staff are primed to alleviate some staffing concerns.

The department held a swearing in ceremony at Fire Station #2 Tuesday afternoon for four new full-time additions to the department, plus two promotions for current firefighters.

Hastings Fire Chief Vorderstrasse introduced each individual, who was then presented with a new fire department badge by a family member or loved one.

The newcomers to HFR are Ryan Ardiana, Javi Beltran, Blake Schmer, and Vince Leibert.

"They're an eager bunch. Blake had worked for us as a part-time EMT for a while, which gave us a great opportunity to evaluate him and say 'yeah' he's gonna be a great asset." said Vorderstrasse. 

"Javi, he comes in with a little experience, he's very eager, very knowledgeable, ready to rock and roll."

"Ryan, he comes in with a little bit of experience, and but he's done really well catching on to what we're doing, and has been one of those guys that kind of just absorbs things, and really works hard to improve."

According to Vorderstrasse, Ardiana, Beltran, and Schmer were part of the HFR academy for the past 12 weeks, and endured intense fire training during that time. Leibert was part of a previous class, but was officially sworn in on Tuesday. 

Receiving promotions were Joseph Hermann to Lieutenant, and Ben Erie to Captain. 

The four new additions to the team come at a great time, as the fire department recently revealed they've been operating at under 90 percent full staff for almost a year.

"They've put in a lot of work over the last 12 weeks, we start at seven in the morning with PT, and it quits at five o'clock," said Vorderstrasse. "Right away one of them starts tomorrow for his 24-hour shift, so there's really no grace period. The crews are excited to have them back on shifts so it gives them a little more support because we've been working pretty short-handed for about the last 11, 12 months."

In the process of getting to full staff, Vorderstrasse says that a new class of potential recruits are beginning the interview process today, and depending on how many pass, the fire department could be up to full staff once again by January 1.