On Thursday, July 7, a ceremony was held to recognize and welcome the newest Firefighters to the Department. The journey for the nine graduates of Academy 16-1 started in July of last year, when they initially applied to be members of the Department.

Over the past year, they successfully completed intensive written and physical testing, a background check, and two sets of interviews. The final step in the process was completing a sixteen week Academy. During the Academy, each recruit learned and was tested on all of the key aspects of the position, such as confined space and rope rescue, hazardous materials identification and containment, proper use of fire hose and ladders, safe operation of various types of apparatus and equipment, emergency medical services training, and fire behavior, including the latest techniques to battle fires in different environments, such as structures, wildland areas, and aircraft. Watch their journey below.