Ironton Mayor Katrina Keith swore in a new firefighter to the Ironton Fire Department Wednesday morning.

Ironton native Reggie Besco joins the department after previously serving with the fire departments of Huntington, West Virginia, and North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

“I’m ready to get to work,” he said. “Everyone here has been very helpful and they welcomed me home.”

Besco said he has always wanted to get back home to Ironton, so he is very thankful to have this opportunity.

“We’re pleased to have Mr. Besco come in with a lot of experience,” Keith said. “We believe he’ll be a great asset to our fire department.”

Ironton Fire Chief Mike Mahlmeister said he’s known Besco for a long time and is excited for him to get started.

“I’ve known Reggie for a long time. I remember when he was a youngster playing ball,” Mahlmeister said. “I expect hard work out of him just like everyone else, but I’m glad the department is back to full man power.”

Besco will go to the state fire academy on Feb. 27.