RIVER FALLS – On Monday, July 15, the River Falls Fire Department welcomed nine new firefighters to its roster during a badging ceremony in the Glen Park Pavilion. The ceremony, led by Fire Chief Steven Cash and Battalion Chief Dustin Dodge, was held to recognize the completion of firefighters’ probationary period.

During this time, probationary members are expected to complete state-certified classes for Fire I, Fire II, and HazMat Operations, in addition to countless hours of departmental training. At the conclusion of the ceremony, each firefighter was given their badge and collar brass by loved ones or friends of their choosing.

Prior to the ceremony, members were interviewed to share a little bit about themselves:

Harm Bents has always had a passion for helping others. Not only does he serve as a firefighter, but he recently joined Allina Health in River Falls as an EMT. These opportunities allow him to give back to the community that he grew up in. Parents Fafani Weinzierl and Gerd Bents presented his badge. In addition, stepmom Sosha and stepdad Jason were in attendance to support him.

Ben Blanchard is from nearby Hudson and studied at UWRF, where he triple majored in political science, history, and music. He went to graduate school at the University of St. Thomas, where he graduated with a Master’s in Software Engineering in 2017. Later that year he officially called River Falls home. Ben works as a Senior User Experience Designer for Prime Therapeutics in Eagan, Minn. He was enticed to join the department after a lifestyle change and seeing the large banner over Main Street, in addition to conversing with former member Steven McCluskey. Blanchard’s wife Kim and children Zoe and Alyse presented his badge.

Gavin Grams spent much of his childhood at the fire station in his hometown of Rio, Wis., with family, so much that he too joined as soon as he was able. In the fall of 2023, Grams enrolled at UWRF. He soon missed his second family of first responders and reached out to RFFD, where he was welcomed with open arms. Outside of firefighting, he works as a farmhand at a local feedlot. Grams was presented his badge by his Chiefs Cernohous and Dodge.

Pat Grant grew up in River Falls, and always wanted to give back to the community that raised him. He keeps busy by helping on the family farm and training others on computer systems at HealthPartners laboratories. Celebrating Pat’s accomplishments were his wife, Brook, and children, Vince and Maren.

Adam Gierl pursued his lifelong dream of being a firefighter. Gierl and his family moved to River Falls from Bloomington in 2015, so his wife could pursue higher education at UWRF. In addition to his role as a firefighter, Gierl serves as the Director of Sales for Pearson in North America. His wife Amy presented his badge. Children Wyatt and Nolan were also present to witness the ceremony.

Rob Jaynes moved from Malibu, Calif. to River Falls roughly two years ago. Jaynes has always wanted to serve the community and felt that joining the fire department would be a great way of contributing. He also wanted to be around like-minded individuals. His wife, Christy Garcia presented his badge during the ceremony.

Kevin Lubich was born and raised in River Falls. He is well known as a farmer and businessman in the area. Joining the fire department allowed him to become more embedded within the community he loves. Lubich’s wife Jess badged him, with children Lily, Macy, Nash, and Oakley celebrating their father’s accomplishment.

Jon Meyer is another local boy joining the fire department. Meyer has family history dating back to the 1870’s -- even before the fire department had been established. He sought to find the brotherhood he had been missing since serving in the U.S. Army. He is currently working at the River Falls branch of Royal Credit Union, but actively seeking a full-time position in the fire service. His wife Meggan, along with children Jameson and Emmalise, joined in celebrating the moment.

Sage Rozycki comes to us from Minneapolis, Minn. After moving to River Falls in 2020 to attend UWRF, he fell in love with the area and chose to stay after graduating. Parents Paul and Brenda Rozycki presented his badge and collar brass.

Submitted by River Falls Fire Department