Fremont, CA—On Tuesday, March 12, 2024, 16 recruit firefighters graduated from the entry-level Fremont Fire Department 2023-1 Recruit Academy. The evening graduation ceremony took place at the City of Fremont Downtown Event Center.
The graduates, selected from a highly competitive process with over 600 candidates, completed a six-month academy that began on October 2, 2023. The physically challenging and academically rigorous academy included training in hose, ladders, self-contained breathing apparatus, ventilation, electrical vehicle awareness and auto extrication, wildland, emergency medical services, rope rescue, firefighter survival, forcible entry techniques and apparatus maintenance. A class hike to the top of Mission Peak helped commemorate the end of the first entry-level recruit academy to be held in the past eight years.
The addition of this academy class was approved by the City Council to fill the department’s 14th company.
In her remarks to the newest members of the organization, Fire Chief Zoraida Diaz shared, “This moment marks the beginning of a lifelong journey dedicated to serving and protecting our community. Every day from here out as you don your uniform and embrace the duties of a firefighter, always remember your service's profound impact on others' lives. Embrace each day as an opportunity to make a difference, to uplift, to protect, and to serve. May the badges you now wear symbolize your vow to uphold the highest ethical standards, bravery, and compassion. May your career be long, fulfilling, and safe."
Recruit Academy Coordinator Captain Jaylin Brooks added “This academy represents the fusion of the Fremont culture. The blend of lateral knowledge and traditional Fremont training. Muhammad Ali said ‘If your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough.’ Always aim high because the future of this department is dependent on your passing of knowledge going forward.”
Presentations for the “Top Nozzle” Award and the Chief John Cerruti Ironman Fitness Award were also given during the ceremony.
Makale Bradley was selected as the 2023 Chief John Cerruti Ironman Fitness Award recipient. Created in 2007, the Chief John Cerruti Ironman Fitness Award is presented to the recruit who shows exemplary performance in physical training.
Ryan Fujinaga was selected as the 2023 “Top Nozzle” Award recipient. At the conclusion of each recruit academy, the “Top Nozzle” Award is presented to the recruit who demonstrated superior academic performance and is exceptionally skilled in the use of job-related equipment and tools, as well as one who best exhibits the core values of the Fremont Fire Department.
The first group of graduates begin their inaugural Fremont Fire Department tour of duty on Sunday, March 17, 2024.
Please join us in welcoming the following firefighters to the Fremont Fire Department:
Samuel Bauchou
Makale Bradley
Peter Correia
Carson Criner
Camille Edward
Ryan Fujinaga
Devin Hardy
Samuel Higuera
Jacob Ottoboni
Jose Perez
Benjamin Potter
Jessa Rodriguez
Lauren Silvia
Gagan Summan
Leah Valencia
Malcolm Vasquez
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