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Columbus Division of Fire celebrates Cadet Class 5; two already hired by department
Summary
The Columbus Division of Fire honored 21 cadets who completed Cadet Class 5. Two graduates have already joined the division as Columbus firefighters and others have secured jobs with other jurisdictions and private EMS, officials said. Cadets earned state and national certifications and several instructors and cadets received awards.
The Columbus Division of Fire held a graduation ceremony for Cadet Class 5 to recognize 21 cadets who completed the department’s cadet training program. Deputy Director George Speaks said two graduates have already been hired by the Columbus Division of Fire and several others have taken positions with other jurisdictions or private EMS agencies.
The program culminated in awards and remarks from division leaders and cadet representatives. “Of the 21 cadets before you, two who are wearing the blue have already become Columbus firefighters,” Deputy Director George Speaks told attendees. Assistant Chief Michael Seacrest praised the program and its staff: “Cadet Class 5, congratulations on completing the finest fire cadet training program in this country.”
Cadet speaker Anna Burton summarized the training requirements and credentials earned by the class, saying the cohort completed extensive classroom and ride-time requirements and noting, “Everyone sitting here has successfully received their Ohio Firefighter II certification and their National Registry EMT card.” Burton described the class’s training as including hundreds of hours of fire and EMS instruction and approximately five months of ride or volunteer time.
Leaders and staff singled out instructors and staff who supported the program. An instructor’s choice award went to Cadet Abdul Rahman Ahmed; the citation noted Ahmed’s persistence, daily attendance and improvement despite language and personal challenges. Instructor Jesse McKee was named 2025 Instructor of the Year. Assistant Chief Seacrest also highlighted Instructor Quentin Echols and said Echols scored near the top on a recent lieutenant exam and is expected to be promoted soon.
The ceremony included a benediction from Chaplain Firefighter Harlan Henderson and closing remarks encouraging graduates to continue seeking mentorship and professional development. Division leaders and instructors repeatedly urged graduates to keep training, seek mentors, and return for competitive testing and recruit training if they wish to join the Columbus Division of Fire full time.
Officials did not announce a specific hiring schedule or additional hiring numbers beyond the two named hires at the ceremony. Names of graduating cadets and instructors were read during the event and several cadets have already reported employment or offers with other departments and private EMS companies.
