Ten new firefighter/paramedics joined the Saskatoon Fire Department following a graduation ceremony on Friday afternoon.

All ten were presented with badges and battalion assignments.

Fire chief Morgan Hackl says new recruits are trained in many areas and can respond to high-hazard situations.

The Saskatoon Fire Department responded to a record 21,438 incidents last year—which is a 55 percent increase since 2018. Chief Hackl says data in the first quarter of this year indicates Saskatoon is on track for a record number of calls again this year.

The ten new firefighter/paramedics will start their first shifts next week.