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Indianapolis Fire Department swears in Recruit Class 90 at graduation ceremony
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Summary
The Indianapolis Fire Department held a graduation ceremony for Recruit Class 90 in which recruits recited the oath of office and received awards and badges. City and department leaders praised the new firefighters and described an intensive 28-week training program; officials gave differing counts for class size during remarks.
Mayor Joe Watson and Fire Chief Ernest Malone presided over a graduation ceremony for Recruit Class 90 of the Indianapolis Fire Department, where recruits recited the oath of office and were presented with badges and awards.
Chief Ernest Malone, chief of the Indianapolis Fire Department, congratulated the recruits on completing what he called "a very difficult training program" and thanked the department staff and families who supported them. Mayor Joe Watson praised the class for joining "a long line of some of the bravest men and bravest women in the history of our city," saying the new firefighters will carry forward the department's 160-plus year tradition of service.
The ceremony included an invocation, remarks by civic leaders, a video presentation, award presentations, a badge pinning and the formal swearing-in. During the oath, recruits repeated the pledge: "I do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Indiana...and that I will discharge my duties regardless of race, creed, color, religion or national origin...to the best of my ability, so help me God." Officials confirmed the recruits will begin company assignments and some are scheduled to start shifts the next day.
Speakers described the training curriculum and demands placed on recruits. Chief Malone noted the class completed 28 weeks of training covering fire operations, emergency medical response, hazardous materials, incident management and specialty competencies. He also said 62 recruits had been chosen from nearly 1,400 applicants; later remarks during the program referred to a class of 54 recruits, a discrepancy not resolved during the ceremony.
The program included multiple awards recognizing physical fitness, improvement, mental attitude and combined academic and practical performance. Recipients named during the ceremony included Madeline Brewster, Madelyn Kaufman, Joe Ibarra, David Griffith, Austin Gorrell and Andrew Gallagher; presenters included training staff and representatives of local unions and sponsor organizations.
No formal policy decisions or votes were taken at the event; the principal official action was the swearing in of the recruits. Officials repeatedly thanked families and department personnel who supported the academy and urged the new probationary firefighters to continue learning on the job.
The ceremony concluded with a benediction and closing announcements, including a note that a photo backdrop and remaining plaques would be moved outside and a request for attendees to pick up water bottles and trash.
Why it matters: the addition of newly sworn firefighters increases the department's on‑duty workforce and represents a near‑term personnel change affecting emergency response capacity in Indianapolis. Officials emphasized training, commitment and the continuity of departmental tradition.
