MISSOULA — The Missoula City Council on Wednesday officially confirmed nine new firefighters — a large rookie class funded in part by the recently passed fire levy. “This is the first group that was hired underneath the fire levy,” said Rash. The funding will help the department build a sixth fire station and provide the fire company needed to staff it. The new firefighters completed the 12-week fire academy and received training in fire suppression, medical emergencies, vehicle extraction, hazardous materials, and others. “I'm looking forward to bringing up a new fire station at some point in the near future.”The city also confirmed one new police officer on Wednesday.