RAPID CITY, S.D.(KOTA)- A class of 18 new firefighters have graduated and joined the Rapid City Fire Department, an addition Tessa Jaeger said has already made a major difference on the floors.

Making an instant impact, Jaeger said the RCFD can finally ease off 48-hour shifts.

Jaeger said the new crews match quality with quantity.

Jaeger said the new faces have been spread to seven of Rapid City’s eight fire stations.

Some crew members, Jaeger said, were sent to a minor bushfire Tuesday for their very first calls.