RFD adds paramedics

The Ruston Fire Department has five new paramedics among its ranks. They bring to 31 the number of paramedics on RFD’s 51-person roster.

All totaled, approximately 62% of department personnel are paramedics. Pictured from left are Driver James Speller, Firefighter Jesse Slade, Capt. Dusty Baker, Firefighter Jacob Waniewski and Firefighter Chance Hankins. The RFD is a dual agency, meaning it’s the fire department and operates the emergency ambulance service. As high as 80% of RFD’s calls are for emergency medical service.