Delhi Township trustees on Wednesday recognized graduates of the 2025 Citizens Fire Academy and held a ceremony that included presentations, pins and the oath of office for firefighters affiliated with the Delhi Township Fire Department. The ceremony included remarks from fire department leaders, academy instructors and two graduates.

The Citizens Fire Academy returned this year after a multi-year pause; Lieutenant Kramer and Chief Doug Campbell described a roughly 10-week program that exposed residents to station tours, EMS operations, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) training, rope and repelling drills, vehicle extrication and CPR instruction. "This academy wasn't just about learning techniques. It was about learning people," said graduate Steve Howe during his remarks.

The academy included a smoke-alarm installation blitz and a tour of the Hamilton County Communications Center, officials said. Lieutenant Kramer credited volunteer support and named instructor Pete Gardner and volunteer Greg Wright as regular contributors to the classes. "They shared not just your knowledge, but your passion, your patience, and your purpose," Howe told the audience.

Chief Campbell and Chief Helms introduced the program and described efforts to restart it after the COVID-19 pandemic. Chief Campbell said the department had not run a Citizens Fire Academy in several years and that the 2025 class offered both public education and a recruitment pathway.

A series of service recognitions and pins followed. The department introduced and pinned several firefighters who have completed training and in some cases moved from part-time to full-time status. Among those recognized during the ceremony were Bridget Nagle (noted as promoted to full time in January and completing paramedic training with an anticipated completion date in spring 2026), RJ (identified as promoted to full time in March and enrolled in paramedic training starting in August 2025), Megan Unger and Alex Reitmeier. Each took the oath of office during the ceremony.

Graduate Natasha Truex described feeling nervous on the first night but said the class "transformed our fears into valuable skills." Trustees in attendance congratulated the graduates and encouraged continued community engagement; the board invited graduates to participate in future smoke-alarm blitzes and other department events.

Trustees and chiefs also framed the academy as a community partnership: Trustee Davis noted the value of first responders and thanked volunteers, while several trustees promised departmental support for personnel and families.

The ceremony concluded with photographs and a brief recess before the meeting resumed.

Ending: The township described the academy as both an education program and a source of community support for the fire department. Officials said they expect the class will remain a regular offering and encouraged graduates to continue volunteering and attending future training and community safety events.