Image

12:32 PM / Thursday March 28, 2024

14 Jun 2019

Class 195 celebrates graduation after months of training

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
June 14, 2019 Category: Local Posted by:

ABOVE PHOTO: Firefighters in dress uniforms pose for formal class portrait

By Kathy Matheson 

PHILA.GOV

Philadelphia’s newest firefighters were sworn in last Thursday at a joyous graduation ceremony filled with friends and family.

The event held at Community College of Philadelphia marked the end of months of rigorous training for the members of Class 195 — and the beginning of their lives in public service. Fire Commissioner Adam K. Thiel promised they would have challenging, but rewarding, careers.

“These cadets have committed to risking life and limb for folks we don’t even know,” Thiel said. “How many organizations can you call where … they will truly risk their lives for yours? I can’t think of many. And that is a sacred duty.”

The 62 cadets entered the Philadelphia Fire Academy in October 2018 and received training in fire suppression, hazardous materials awareness, and fire- and life-safety education. They also became certified as emergency medical technicians (EMTs), qualifying them to provide basic emergency medical care.

Class spokesman Matthew Cohen said members of the 1-9-5 came from different backgrounds and took a while to bond as colleagues.

“We all went from being individuals, to becoming a team, and now — here in front of you today — as a family,” Cohen said. “When the pressure was on, we showed up. … I feel that we are more than prepared to hit the field.”

One graduating cadet was unable to attend because he is on a military deployment to Africa. He sent his classmates a video message that was played at the ceremony.

Deputy Chief Girten Allerton, who heads the Fire Academy, wished the cadets well with a traditional phrase firefighters use when leaving each other’s company: “Be safe out there.”

“‘Be safe out there’ is a quiet, friendly reminder to stay vigilant, keep your eyes open, and not let your guard down,” Allerton said. ” ‘Be safe out there’ is a hope your awareness will protect you. So Class 195: Good luck in your new careers — and be safe out there.”

Want to become a Philadelphia firefighter? Apply by July 26! Go to: https://phila.peopleadmin.com/postings/59942.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Leave a Comment

Recent News

Philly NAACP

March 24, 2024

March 17, 2024

Tweet Email Tweet Email Related Posts Philadelphia Judicial Primary Candidates At A Glance Guide Philadelphia Judicial Candidates...

Commentary

cj speaks…The call to order

March 23, 2024

Tweet Email Philadelphia’s recent travesties continue to be highlighted in the news: the ongoing shooting incidents, train...

Health

Combatting loneliness in older adults

March 17, 2024

Tweet Email FAMILY FEATURES The bonds found in friendships and other relationships are an important factor in...

Home and Garden

So, You want to build a retaining wall: 6 things to know before you start

March 3, 2024

Tweet Email BPT When you want to enhance your outdoor living space, consider building with retaining wall...

Fur Babies Rule!

Dog grooming advice to keep pets clean and healthy

March 2, 2024

Tweet Email FAMILY FEATURESRegular grooming can keep your dog looking and smelling his or her best, but...

Seniors

‘Soaring’ over hills or ‘playing’ with puppies, study finds seniors enjoy virtual reality

February 23, 2024

Tweet Email By Terry Spencerassociated press POMPANO BEACH, Fla. — Retired Army Col. Farrell Patrick taught computer...

The Philadelphia Sunday Sun Staff