The Nashville Fire Department added 32 new firefighters to the department during a graduation ceremony at Madison Church of Christ on Friday, January 5.
Two Franklin Fire Department firefighters who attended the NFD Academy also graduated.
NFD Director Chief William Swann and Chief Training Officer Moses Jefferies IV presented each of the graduates with a certificate of completion and their official badge. Family, friends and fellow NFD personnel celebrated Battalion 88's accomplishment following the ceremony.
Battalion 88 completed more than 1,000 hours of an intensive curriculum, including classroom lectures and hands on training. Their hands-on training included live fire training, swift water rescue training and high angle rescue techniques.
"This recruit class has demonstrated their commitment to serve our community," Nashville Fire Department and Nashville Office of Emergency Management Director Chief William Swann said. "Battalion 88 recruits will start their field assignments starting on Monday. This is a career that no one can take lightly because they will be critical in trying to deliver the best outcome when faced with the worst situations."
During the ceremony the NFD awarded Battalion 88 recruit Dennis Pillet for earning the honor of Valedictorian for academic performance in both the EMT and Fire Suppression programs.
Battalion 88 Recruit Ryan Pope earned the Fitness Award for his work while in the academy. He accomplished the most physical transformation during his time at the academy. Pope lost more than 30 pounds during his training.
Battalion 88 Recruit Masen Marshall earned The Leadership Award. This award is earned by the member of the recruit class who best represents the heartbeat of the battalion.
The recruits will immediately join their fellow firefighters and EMS personnel in fire companies across Metro Nashville Davidson County.
The NFD thanks WSMV News 4 Anchor Laruen Lowrey for serving as emceed for the graduation ceremony.
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