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Metro Fire Academy graduates class 2026-14; new firefighters sworn in for Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo
Summary
Graduation for Metro Fire Academy class 2026-14 honored recruits from Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo, who received awards, were assigned to shifts across the three departments and recited the oath of office after completing an 18-week firefighter and EMT program.
At the joint Metro Fire Academy graduation, leaders from Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo presided as class 2026-14 completed an 18-week program and were sworn in as probationary firefighters.
The ceremony featured remarks from Moorhead Fire Chief Jeff Wallen, Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney, West Fargo official Bernie Dardis, Moorhead Mayor Shelley Carlson and Fargo Deputy Mayor Denise Kolpak. Wallen told the graduates their training included 'a very time-compressed EMT program' and national-level testing, and urged them to rely on teammates and remain vigilant on calls. "After 38 years in the fire service," he said, "this is the best job in the world." (Jeff Wallen, Moorhead Fire Chief.)
The graduates' backgrounds ranged from military service and volunteer firefighting to health care, trades and office work. Mayor Tim Mahoney praised the class's diverse experience and thanked instructors and families for supporting the recruits. "You're trained in extreme conditions, you've learned to work together under pressure, and you've earned the opportunity to serve your community as firefighters," Mahoney said.
West Fargo's Bernie Dardis and Moorhead Mayor Shelley Carlson highlighted regional cooperation, noting the academy's role in mutual-aid readiness across the two-state metro area. Fargo Deputy Mayor Denise Kolpak thanked trainers and families and called the day a milestone for the community.
Chiefs then introduced the academy instructor cadre and presented class awards. The valedictorian award went to Parker (later identified as Parker Theobold); the Above and Beyond award was given to Colby (Colby Zupan); and the Growth award went to Matt McNeil. West Fargo Fire Chief Dan Fuller described the awards' criteria and noted that the Above and Beyond selection was voted on by the recruit class while Growth was chosen by instructors.
Officials read the new firefighters' names, badge numbers and shift assignments. Among the assignments announced: Isabella Ferderer (badge 572) to A shift, Fargo; Jeremiah Evans (badge 573) to C shift, Fargo; Colby Zupan (badge 574) to B shift, Fargo; Stephanie Shoneman (badge 575) to A shift, Fargo; Parker Theobold (badge 576) to B shift, Fargo; and for Moorhead, Matt Daniels (badge 179) to A shift; Dominic Bonacci (badge 180) to B shift; Kyle Honstead (badge 181) to C shift; and Matt McNeil (badge 182) to C shift.
Fargo Fire Chief Gary Lorenz led recruits in the oath of office, which the class recited collectively, pledging "to protect the lives and property of the communities I serve" and to uphold the Constitution. After the oath, leaders invited applause for the newly sworn probationary firefighters.
Deputy Chief Dave Conrad closed the ceremony with remarks about legacy and invited graduates, families and officials to a reception at Moorhead Fire Department Station 1, 111 12th Street North in Moorhead for refreshments and photos.
The event emphasized regional cooperation and the intensive training that prepared the recruits for service; no policy votes or formal legislative actions were taken.
