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Montgomery Fire Rescue swears in 17 recruits after 28-week academy
Summary
Seventeen recruits completed a 28-week academy and were sworn in as Montgomery firefighters; awards were presented for top EMT, top suppression and top trainee.
Seventeen recruits completed a 28-week academy and were sworn in as members of Montgomery Fire Rescue during a graduation ceremony where Judge Milton J. Westry Sr. administered the oath of office.
Judge Westry led the class in the oath that binds new firefighters to uphold the U.S. Constitution, the Constitution of the State of Alabama and the laws and ordinances of the City of Montgomery. “The life that is lived for others is a very worthwhile life,” Westry told the new firefighters after administering the oath.
Assistant Fire Chief Ronnie H. Bozeman Jr. opened the ceremony and identified the graduates and training staff. He said the class began intensive training and that 17 recruits completed the program. “Because of [the training staff’s] hard work and dedication, we have 17 new firefighters that will begin the next step of their journey as a member of Montgomery Fire Rescue,” Bozeman said.
Chief Mifford Jordan congratulated the graduates and reminded them that graduation marked the start of ongoing learning and public trust. “Although you may graduate today, your learning does not stop here,” Jordan said, urging recruits to continue training and to “be proud, be brave, be strong, but most of all, be prepared.”
Awards presented by Montgomery Fire Rescue’s Division of Training included: the top EMT award to Erin B. Newgard; the top suppression award to Benjamin J. Schultz; and the Fire Chief Robert W. Greer leadership award (top trainee) to Houston L. Jocks.
A class representative addressed the audience on behalf of the recruits, saying, “This has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of our lives,” and thanked training officers, administrative staff and families for their support.
The ceremony included a training montage, the presentation of certificates to each graduate and closing remarks listing core expectations for recruits such as maintaining fitness, training beyond the minimum and leading by example. The training length (28 weeks), the number of graduates (17) and award recipients were stated at the ceremony. Other details about hiring outcomes, assignments or salary impacts for the new firefighters were not specified during the event.
