Fifteen new firefighters joined the ranks of the Wilmington Fire Department on Thursday evening as the Fire Department’s 43rd Recruit Class held their graduation at Salesianum School. The recruits have just completed a physically and mentally challenging 13-week academy. After completing the training, the recruits have attained national certification as Firefighter 1 and 2 as well as Emergency Medical Technician.
Chief of Fire John Looney addressed the graduates, encouraging them to follow in the footsteps of the veteran members of the department and strive to improve every day. Chief Looney reminded the recruits to always learn every day on the job and from every response, and work to make the department better. Recruit class president, Probationary Firefighter Xavier Gadson reminded the class to continue to live by the department mantra: “Dedication and Valor” and make those words a part of their everyday lives, both on and off duty. Class President Gadson also thanked the Fire Department Academy Staff for bringing out the best in each recruit and thanked the many instructors that taught them throughout the academy.
Several recruits received awards from the academy staff. The Physical Fitness Award was given to Probationary Firefighter Brandon Harmon for having the best scores in the weekly physical fitness testing. Probationary Firefighter Ariel Ramirez received the Academic Award for having the highest class average during the academic portion of the academy. Probationary Firefighter Anthony Perez received the Fire Chief’s Award for being a leader during the academy and showing dedication to being a Wilmington Firefighter. The Perseverance Award was given to Probationary Firefighter Chad Knotts for overcoming several hurdles and setbacks during the academy.
The newest Wilmington Firefighters are: Probationary Firefighter Skyler Benasutti, Probationary Firefighter Caleb Edgehill, Probationary Firefighter Xavier Gadson, Probationary Firefighter Brandon Harmon, Probationary Firefighter Jacob Harvey, Probationary Firefighter Alexander Humes, Probationary Firefighter Matthew Klingensmith, Probationary Firefighter Chad Knotts, Probationary Firefighter Joshua Leavery, Probationary Firefighter Christian Miller, Probationary Firefighter Anthony Perez, Probationary Firefighter Mark Powers, Probationary Firefighter Lorraine Praeger, Probationary Firefighter Ariel Ramirez, and Probationary Firefighter Aidan Ryan. The new firefighters will now complete a one-year probationary period rotating through all the WFD stations before receiving their permanent station assignments.