Just as fire season approaches, the Folsom Fire Department is even more prepared than before as it welcomed eight new members to its force this past week.
Four entry level and four lateral firefighter/paramedics were sworn in last week in a ceremony at the Folsom Community Center which was the first ceremony of the new year for the Folsom Fire Department Academy.
“Today marks another special occasion as we welcome the newest members of our firefighting family, the graduating class of Orientation Academy 24-1,” said Folsom Fire Chief Ken Cusano who opened Friday’s ceremony. These individuals who have completed their training, congratulations and welcome to the Folsom Fire Department.”
Cusano was joined in the presentation with scheduled remarks by Folsom Mayor Mike Kozlowski and City Manager Elaine Andersen as part of the program. Additonal members of City Council we also in attendance to welcome the new members.
“Your journey to this day has been marked by dedication and long tiring days. Through countless hours of training, you have sharpened your skills, embraced our core values, and demonstrated a commitment to protecting and serving our community,” Cusano added.
Folsom Fire Captain Brian Beck was the instructor of Academy 24-1 and addressed the eight new additions just before they were formally sworn in by City of Folsom Deputy Clerk Jennifer Jimenez. Firefighter Sam Watts also spoke, sharing the Fire Recruit Response before the event moved to the official badge pinning and the presentation of the Loyalty Oath.
Academy 24-1 Lateral (experienced) recruits that were sworn in included Christopher Prosch, Jack Skow, Anthony Vasquez and Sam Watts. Entry level graduates that were sworn in included Karlo Arquisola, George Loosli, Jacob Moore and Jacob Werner.
“As you are assigned to your respective stations, always remember the importance of our core values: trust, respect, tradition, professionalism, and appreciation. Your role as firefighters is not just a job; it is a duty to protect and serve our community,” Cusano said to the recruits. “Welcome to the firefighting family. Stay safe, and never forget the impact you have on the lives of those you serve.”
Meet Folsom Fire’s newest recruits
Chief Cusano took the time to share a bit of information on each of the department’s new recruits to Folsom Times to introduce them to the community that weren’t able to do so in person at last week’s ceremony. Here is the information on each of them provided by Cusano, just as they were presented Friday afternoon.
Academy 24-1 Lateral Graduates
Christopher Prosch
Christopher Prosch was pinned in Friday’s ceremony by his wife Joanna.Prosch was born and raised in Arizona. He graduated from Arizona State University and worked in commercial real estate before following his dream of becoming a Firefighter/Paramedic. Chris moved to Colorado and met the love of his life, Joanna. In 2015, Chris started in EMS and was later hired by Castle Rock Fire Department where he has been for the last 5 years.
Chris and Joanna have a daughter named Evie, who is 2.5 years old. They have a new baby girl on the way and they have moved to Northern California to be closer to family. In his free time, Chris enjoys spending time with his family, going on hikes with his dog, golfing, snowboarding, mountain biking and watching football, go Cowboys!
Chris is very excited to start working at Folsom Fire and he would like to thank all the Chiefs, Cadre, staff and FTOs who put in their valuable time to make the class of 24-1 a success. Finally, he would like to thank his amazing wife and daughter for their unwavering support during this move, academy, and next chapter of his life.
Jack Skow
Jack Skow was pinned by his wife Mary and comes from San Antonio, Texas where he spent most of his life. Jack found his way into the fire service in 2016 as a volunteer for the Peru Volunteer Fire Department in Peru, Nebraska while attending college. He has spent the last 3 years working for the Kerrville Fire Department in Kerrville, Texas and 6 years as a firefighter in the United States Air Force before finding his way to Folsom.
In his free time, Jack enjoys hiking with his wife and 2 dogs Pudge and Baxter, biking, fishing, working out, and spending quality time with family.
He would like to thank his wife Mary for all her love, words of affirmation, encouragement, and selflessness as she supported him throughout the grueling journey of becoming a Firefighter/Paramedic.
Anthony Vasquez
Anthony Vasquez was pinned by his son Fred Vasquez. He and his family have been back in California for about two months. Anthony moved to Sacramento County from Northern Virginia. Anthony worked for Loudoun County Fire and Rescue for 7 years before joining the Folsom Fire Department. Prior to his time with LCFR, Anthony served in the United States Navy for 7.5 years, where he worked as an electronics technician and two separate guided missile destroyers.
Anthony would like to thank the cadre of class 24-1 for their passion and expertise. Anthony would also like to thank his fellow recruits for their positive attitude and their motivation. Lastly, Anthony would like to thank his wife Annie Vasquez for her everlasting support and his son Fred for his persistence that his daddy continue to be a firefighter.
Sam Watts
Sam Watts was pinned by his girlfriend, Erin Friday. He was raised in Minden, Nevada. After graduating high school, he moved to Reno in pursuit of a Fire Service career. He accomplished his goal in 2018, and at 20 years old was hired with a Fire Department in his home town as a Firefighter/Paramedic. He served for 5 ½ years there before coming to Folsom Fire.
In his free time, Sam enjoys time with his family and friends, skiing, hiking, golfing, fishing, anything to do with being outside.
He would like to thank his girlfriend Erin, and their dog Maverick for pushing him and supporting him, as well as his parents, and Erin’s family for all their support. Sam would also like to thank the Academy Cadre of class 24-1, for their dedication to training, and setting the standard for Sam to follow throughout his career here.
Academy 24-1 Entry Level Graduates
Karlo Arquisola
Karlo Arquisola was pinned by his Father Rico Friday. He was born in Sacramento and raised in Elk Grove, CA. After graduating high school, he completed his Bachelor’s Degree of Criminal Justice from California State University, Sacramento. Karlo initially wanted to pursue a career in law enforcement, however, a family friend who he looked up to, a firefighter at Cosumnes Fire Department, tragically lost his life in an off duty accident. His achievements, stories, and legacy that he left behind inspired Karlo to pursue a career in the Fire Service.
In his free time, Karlo enjoys playing pool, hiking, camping, traveling, going to concerts and spending time with his family.
He would like to thank his family and friends for their unconditional support throughout the journey of getting to where he is now. Karlo would also like to thank the chiefs, captains, engineers, and firefighters for their support before and throughout the academy.
George Loosli
George Loosli was pissed by his girlfriend Isabellea. He was born and raised in Oakley, California. After graduating high school, he moved to Sacramento to attend Sacramento State. After his time at Sacramento State, he attended Sierra College’s EMT and Fire Academy Programs. In 2021, he began his Fire and EMS career working for Alpha One Ambulance and Cal Fire – Sonoma Lake Napa Unit and worked for both agencies for 3 years. He furthered his EMS education by attending Napa Valley College’s Paramedic program, and received his paramedic license this past December.
In his free time, he enjoys hiking, biking, kayaking, working on cars, gardening, and spending time with family and friends.
George would like to thank his girlfriend Isabella for constantly supporting his goal of becoming a Firefighter/Paramedic over the last 4 years as well as his parents for always being there for him. Lastly, he would like to thank the Academy Staff for their time and mentorship.
Jacob Moore
Pinning Jacob today will be his fiancée, Alyssa.
Jacob Moore was pinned by his fiancée, Alyssa. Moore grew up in Elk Grove where he completed a fire internship which solidified his passion for the fire service. He then obtained his Paramedic license and gained experience in a busy 911 system in San Joaquin County. He recently received his associate degree in Fire Technology, and he now comes here to Folsom excited for his future endeavors.
In his free time, he enjoys traveling, going on hikes, rock climbing, going out on the water, and most importantly, spending time with his family and friends.
He would like to thank his family for all the support they gave throughout his journey to get here today. Jacob would like to specifically thank his fiancée for all her endless support and patience. He would also like to thank the cadre for all their help, time, and support throughout the academy.
Jacob Werner
Jacob Werner was pinned by his mother, Tanya Werner. He was raised in Sloughhouse. After graduating high school, he attended American River College and then California State University at Chico earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. He volunteered for the Amador Fire Protection District and worked as a substitute teacher. Jacob attended EMT and Paramedic School in Roseville. After working on an ambulance for a couple of years, he attended the Sierra College Firefighter Academy, graduating this past December.
In his free time, Jacob enjoys volunteering at the Sierra Fire Academy, playing soccer, and spending time with family and friends.
Jacob would like to thank his family, friends, and the Academy Cadre of class 24-1 for their support.
“Congratulations, Orientation Academy 24-1, on this achievement. Continue to uphold the proud traditions of our profession and serve with courage, integrity, and unwavering dedication,” were the final words offerd by Cusano in his remarks Friday. “And to your families, thank you again for your support and sacrifice. Your loved ones are now a part of our fire family and so are you.”
Author: Bill Sullivan
Bill Sullivan has over 25 years of professional journalism and content creation experience in which he has earned 37 professional awards. He is the co-founder/publisher of Folsom Times an All Town Media LLC product.
