The fire-engine red T-shirts labeled “cadet” and belonging to the 20 most recent Yavapai College Fire Academy students can be handed down, donated or placed in a memory box, because each of them is now prepared to join the fire service or attain more front-line career training.
Their transition from cadet to graduate of the 16-week academy took place May 13 during a traditional completion ceremony on the YC Prescott Campus.
Ceremony speakers expressed pride and gratitude for the graduates’ selflessness and grit. YC President Dr. Lisa Rhine called the future firefighters “brave souls” who “are stepping into one of the most respected and courageous professions. You have chosen a path in which your daily job description includes saving lives. That’s a big deal – and I don’t say that lightly. I save documents. You save people.”
Speaking on behalf of his academy class, Caleb Perkins said the group’s training focused on discipline, teamwork and integrity, instilling honor and pride in each cadet. The end result, he said, was the individual and collective acknowledgement of their purpose. “That purpose is to be a servant for the community.”
Fire Academy Commander Jim Bushman shared some history of the fire service, dating to the ancient firefighting knights of the Island of Malta, and the evolution of the Maltese cross into the fire service insignia. He asked the graduates to emulate the characteristics of the knights of Malta and “stand up” for their leaders, each other and the public. Bushman told the graduates that when they assume the role of “hero” in their communities, it’s more than putting on the uniform. “It’s about who you become by serving and sacrificing.”
In his congratulatory remarks, Robert Borker, YC Fire Science Director, asked the graduates to “carry forward” the lessons they learned in the academy in all aspects of their lives and career. “It has been a pleasure to teach and instruct and run the fire academy and I couldn’t be more proud of everyone’s accomplishments today,” he said.
Following are the Class 25-01 YC Fire Academy graduates:
Jesus “Cris” Acosta, Benjamin Behlow, Lachlan Colley, Sean Davis, Jerrith Foster, Benjamin Guther, Hudson Hill, Peyton Hines, Daniel Kamholz, Cody Kirkham, John Krmpotich, Kameron Lee, Christopher Mathe, Caution Molnar, Logan Pace, Caleb Perkins, Patric Sipes, Izayah Wagner, Brianna West and Travis Wilson.
To learn about YC Fire Science degree and certificate programs, click here.
Yavapai College operates seven campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers over 100 degrees and certificates, three baccalaureate degrees (with one more pending accreditation approval), student and community services, and cultural events and activities. To learn more about YC, visit www.yc.edu.