Post Date: 01/25/2018 11:30 AM

WFD ceremony at Salesianum School is open to the public

Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki and Fire Chief Michael Donohue cordially invite citizens to attend the 39th Wilmington Fire Academy Graduation ceremony on Saturday, January 27 at Salesianum School’s auditorium, 1801 North Broom Street. The ceremony, open to the public, will begin promptly at 1:00 p.m., but seating is limited.

Seventeen fire department recruits completed an intense 13-week training academy in order to become City firefighters. The 17—12 white males, 4 black males, and one Hispanic male—were among more than 200 applicants who originally applied last May to become firefighters. They first had to pass a 16-week pre-certification process in order to qualify to attend the academy.

The Mayor and Chief congratulate the recruits for making it through the academy as they embark on a challenging yet gratifying career with the department. The WFD 39th Recruit Academy was dedicated to the memory of Captain Christopher Leach, Lieutenant Ardythe “Ardy” Hope, and Lieutenant Jerry Fickes, who died in the line of duty in 2016.

The recruits started each morning with physical training followed by classroom and drill ground evolutions. They were trained in emergency medical care, rescue, and firefighting skills in accordance with national standards. They also had an opportunity to utilize the Delaware State Fire School’s newest live fire simulator, which afforded recruits an opportunity to witness fire behavior in all its phases.

Upon completing the academy, each recruit attained national certification as Pro Board Fire Fighter Levels I and II (NBFSPQ) and National Register Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT). The 17 new graduates bring the Fire Department up to its authorized strength of 156 firefighters.

It is the Academy Staff’s honor to present the following recruits for graduation on Saturday:

Justin Altemus

Luis Colon

Irin Flowers

Brian Foote

Joshua Giles

Travis Gittens

Samuel Goines

Trevor Good

Jeffrey Madden

Scotty Mangum

Michael Pressler

William O’Neill

Jordan Robinson

Jeffrey Sands

Cody Sooy

Robert Stephens

Kyle Zuber

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News and information from the Office of Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki

John Rago

Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Communications

Mobile: (302) 420-7928

Email: jrago@WilmingtonDE.gov

Battalion Chief John M. Looney

Public Information Officer

Mobile: (302) 232-4364

Email: John.Looney@cj.state.de.us

Lieutenant Andrew JE Cavanaugh

Assistant Public Information Officer

Mobile: (302) 528-7182

Email: Andrew.Cavanaugh@cj.state.de.us