Montgomery County Emergency Services District No. 10, which serves Magnolia, added 12 full-time firefighters following a graduation ceremony Aug. 19, according to Winkler Public Relations, which represents ESD 10.

“We are growing with our community, and these firefighters will make a difference in meeting our community's needs,” Fire Chief Jeff Hevey said in a statement.

With the addition of the 12 firefighters, who collectively have 80 years of firefighting experience, and the hiring of 12 firefighters earlier this summer in May, ESD 10 has 71 full-time fire suppression personnel.

“We welcome these men to the Magnolia Fire family,” ESD 10 Commissioner Larry Smith said in a statement. “This class will play a major role in ESD 10 upholding its commitment to saving lives and protecting property in our community.”

ESD 10 provides firefighting services to Magnolia after becoming the direct provider of services following a transition from contracting with the Magnolia Volunteer Fire Department in January.