BOONE, Iowa—The Boone Fire Department added a new, full time member this week, when Andrew Hull was sworn in during Monday night’s City Council meeting. Hull began working with the department as paid on-call fire fighter. He became a part-time fire fighter after obtaining his EMT certification. Boone Mayor John Slight delivered the oath. Andrew received his badge from his father Loren.
The additional fire fighter was approved by the Council during a budget meeting. The additional position is being covered from existing funds in the department. The need increased when the Fire Department began handling third call for ambulance service. Part of the agreement with the Boone County Hospital calls for additional training for fire fighters which in turn limits their availability for regular shifts.
Additionally, the Council did approve a request from Police Chief John Wiebold to hire a new police officer prior to the beginning of July. During budget meetings, the Council did vote to allow for the expansion of the police department by an additional officer. Wiebold said funds are available to cover the early hiring and timing wise it would allow a new officer to begin training immediately and would also allow him to attend the academy in Des Moines this spring. The Council did approve a resolution allowing the department to hire Seth McCrea.