LFD holds Fire Recruit Graduation

Lexington, Ky. (WTVQ) — The Lexington Fire Department hosted it’s Fire Recruit Graduation for Class 72 on Friday.

With up to a thousand hours, this class of recruits were so excited for their graduation and excited to join the ranks of firefighters serving the city.

37 recruits walked across the stage at the graduation, beginning their next step as probationary firefighters.

‘”So the fact that I can put on these boots, put on these pants and wear that fire recruit red shirt, I was more than elated,” said graduate Phillip Jewell.

The graduates were called by name to be pinned. Some by their fathers and brothers.

Dozens of people came to celebrate this huge achievement.

For some graduates, this has always been the dream.

“It’s something I’ve always dreamed about being, from being a child,” said Zachary Fisher. “So, just to have that accomplishment pinned on you at the end of the day was something that I’m so thankful for.”

Just 26 weeks ago the graduates were beginning their training. Not only as firefighters, but also EMT’s.

“The first ten weeks is EMT basic training and then after that any other training is firefighter training,” said Battalion Chief of Training Shane Poynter.

And while half a year is a long time, it’s just the beginning for these graduates aho are now people we’ll look to in an emergency

“That’s obviously a responsibility we take very seriously and it obviously makes you feel good to be there and make a difference for them,” said Battalion Chief Derek Roberts.

The next class of 25 recruits starts on June 17.