Patrick Renner and Kody Gazdag are doing what they've wanted to do since they were kids: They took their place a week ago as part of the Garden City Fire Department's cadre of firefighter/paramedics

"I think this is a big deal when we swear in new firefighters," Fire Chief Catherine Harman said. "I'd like to have a parade."

But since that wasn't immediately possible, Harman arranged for a ceremony that included Garden City Clerk Allyson Bettis doing the honors as Renner and Gazdag's family, friends, new colleagues and Mayor Robert Walker watched. Each man's mother — Cindy Renner and Lynn Gazdag — pinned the department's badge to complete the ceremony that was followed by a small reception.

"I expected him to be a firefighter. This is something he has wanted to do for a long time," Cindy Renner said.

In Gazdag's family, Kody isn't the only firefighter. His twin brother Kyle is a Canton firefighter and his brother is a Wayne County Sheriff deputy. "I am proud of all of them," Lynn Gazdag said.

The two new Garden City firefighters came from Inkster, where both served as paid-on-call firefighter/paramedics.

"This was a higher career opportunity," Renner said. "My career can grow here. I also love the personal ties in the department."

Gazdag's sentiments were similar: "It's a step in the right direction. I like how involved this department is with the community and the city."

Renner and Gazdag were chosen following an open enrollment by the fire department. "We're still looking for a third (firefighter)," Harman said, adding candidates can be on the first-or-second level of certification, enrolled in training as a paramedic or about to take the state test.

A full complement at the Garden City Fire Department is 22 firefighters.

jmaliszews@hometownlife.com  | 248-396-6620 | Twitter: @jmaliszews