Fronted by an honor guard and followed by the drone of a bagpiper, Fire Academy Class 25-02, grinning and proud, split a sea of well-wishers on their way to the stage. Yavapai College’s Fire Academy graduation brought 19 new firefighters to the community on Thursday, December 11th, hailed by a Prescott Campus community room packed with proud spouses, curious toddlers and beaming parents.
“Today, we gather to celebrate an extraordinary group of individuals,” Yavapai College President Dr. Lisa Rhine said. “You’ve poured your energy, your intellect and your hearts into this journey. And today, we recognize you not only for what you’ve achieved, but for who you are – courageous, highly skilled, unshakable professionals.”
Keynote speaker and Fire Academy Instructor Daniel Hampton thanked families for their ongoing support and praised the nineteen graduates for their perseverance in a program that demands much more than study: “We walk them into burning buildings. There are not many classes in the college that your life would be in danger. It’s very difficult – the time, ability and the physical demands. In this class, they learned to trust each other with their lives.”
