Wayland Welcomes 2 New Firefighters

Wayland Fire Chief Vinnie Smith introduced two new firefighters to Wayland Selectmen Monday night.

Derek Jordan and Pat Walkinshaw fill vacancies left on the roster by Ronald H. Rokes Jr., who retired recently, and by a lateral transfer of a Wayland firefighter to the Cambridge Fire Department, according to a press release from the department.

Jordan began full-time with the department on July 9, but was known at the department prior to that thanks to his role as a per diem paramedic. He comes to Wayland from the Pepperell Fire Department where he has been a firefighter/paramedic since January 2012.

He is currently pursuing a Bachelor's in fire science at Anna Maria College and has attended Plymouth State University. Jordan holds multiple certificates, including certificates the Firefighter Academy’s Recruit Firefighter Class prepares students to take.

Walkinshaw isn't new to the town or the Wayland Fire Department either. He's served as a call firefighter since 2011, according to the press release. He's also worked at Donelan's Supermarket in Cochituate.

He has completed his paramedic training and is preparing for the licensing exams even as the state transitions to a new system. According to the press release, his permanent appointment is contingent on his licensure.

"He did very well in the interview process and impressed everyone on the panel with his commitment to the Wayland Fire Department, his fire-related training, and his EMS education," Smith wrote in the press release.

Walkinshaw started with the department on July 26.