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Austin Fire pins badges on 26 new firefighters after 28-week academy
Summary
The Austin Fire Department held a graduation ceremony for Class 141, which completed a 28-week academy that began 08/25/2025. Twenty-six cadets received awards, had badges pinned and took the oath of office before department leaders and community partners.
The Austin Fire Department on Tuesday honored 26 recruits who completed a 28-week cadet academy, pinning badges, presenting awards and administering the oath of office at a ceremony attended by department leaders and community partners.
Captain Matthew Martin, who oversees cadet training, said the class began on 08/25/2025 and that the 26 graduates "have met our rigorous physical, mental, and ethical standards" and will assume responsibilities as Austin firefighters. He thanked training staff, civilian support, family members and partner agencies for their roles in the program.
The ceremony included several awards. The Hammer Award, chosen by team leaders, went to cadet Ruben Gonzalez Godinez Gonzalez. Carson Pierce received the most physically fit award, and Ross Thompson was named best all-around cadet. The award for the highest overall grade-point average, measured across EMT and fire exams, was presented to cadet Kyle McDonald.
An unnamed class representative spoke on behalf of Class 141 about the intensity of the training and the bonds formed during the program. "We've come a long way, but we didn't do this by our own power," the representative said, thanking team leaders, instructors and families for their support.
Battalion Chief Kirchmarich reflected on firefighting traditions and presented a leather helmet trophy to the best all-around cadet. Division Chief Jamie Silas described team leaders as operations firefighters who volunteer as mentors for the full 28-week training cycle and called several team leaders forward to receive recognition.
Chief Joel G. Baker administered the oath of office; cadets answered "I will" to affirm commitments to the department's standards and public service. Chief Baker congratulated the newly sworn probationary firefighters "on behalf of more than 1,300 men and women of Austin Fire."
The program concluded with a brief video showing class training sequences—hose handling, ladder work, victim extrication and pump operations—and practical instruction from department trainers emphasizing situational awareness and equipment proficiency.
The department noted this graduation marks the transition from academy training to operational assignments; no personnel assignments or shift details were announced at the ceremony.
