Chehalis welcomes two new firefighters

The Chehalis City Council on Monday welcomed two new firefighters with traditional swearing-in and badge-pinning ceremonies.

The celebration of the new additions was followed by another tradition: a bear hug for each of the new recruits from Chehalis Mayor Tony Ketchum.

Chehalis Fire Chief Adam Fulbright swore in the two new Chehalis firefighters during the regular Chehalis City Council.

Jayson Richied-Jones and Jesse Pearson recited their oaths in front of the council and family and friends before receiving their new badges.

Fulbright jokingly warned family members and friends against drawing blood as they struggled, briefly, to pin the large badges to the chests of the new firefighters.

Fulbright offered brief introductions for each of his new team members, starting with Richied-Jones and followed by Pearson.

According to the chief, both of the new recruits first started with the department as volunteers in 2024.

Richied-Jones completed the firefighter academy in May of last year and just recently finished emergency medical technician (EMT) training.

Pearson also went to the academy in 2025. He later retired from the U.S. military as a certified paramedic and was able to transition to a full-time position with the local fire department.

After their brief introductions, the new firefighters recited the oath, repeating each line first said aloud by Fulbright.

"I will faithfully and impartially perform and discharge the duties of a Chehalis firefighter according to the law and to the best of my abilities," repeated the new firefighters.

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