NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TN Tribune) – The Nashville Fire Department added 36 new firefighters to the department during a graduation ceremony at Madison Church of Christ on Friday, April 12th.
Among the recruits are 6 NFD “Crossover Recruits” these are NFD EMS personnel who went through the NFD Training Academy to become firefighters. These recruits will now be reassigned to the Fire Suppression Division of NFD.
Also, a Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper who attended the NFD Academy graduated as a licensed EMT.
NFD Director Chief William Swann and Mayor Freddie O’Connell presented each graduate with a certificate of completion. Deputy Director Chief Tim Henderson and Chief Training Officer Moses Jefferies IV presented the new firefighters with their official badges. Family, friends and fellow NFD personnel celebrated Battalion 89’s accomplishment during and following the graduation ceremony.
Battalion 89 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.
“As public servants, we are entrusted with the well-being and safety of our residents and visitors,” Nashville Fire Department Director Chief William Swann said. “We are the ones they turn to in their time of need, and it is our duty to respond with compassion, skill, and unwavering dedication. Each of these recruits has chosen to walk this path of service, and I have no doubt they will do so with honor and integrity.”
During the ceremony the NFD awarded Battalion 89 recruit Jonathan Roberts as Valedictorian for his combined GPA of 95.3%.
Battalion 89 Recruit Michael Wilson earned the Fitness Award for accomplishing the most physical transformation during his time at the academy. Wilson earned the award for his “Relentless Effort” while undergoing daily physical fitness training and firefighting training activities.
Battalion 89 Recruit Deandre Utley earned The Leadership Award. This is awarded to the recruit who worked to guide, inspire, and direct the members of the battalion to common objectives and goals.
The recruits will immediately join their fellow firefighters and EMS personnel in fire companies across Metro Nashville Davidson County.
WKRN News 2 Meteorologist Meaghan Thomas served as emcee for the graduation ceremony.
