101st Fire Academy Graduation

The Crafton Hills College Fire Academy’s 101st class graduation took place on Saturday, December 7th. The ceremony for the 30 cadets incorporated a bagpipe procession, presentation of certificates, and skills demonstrations, including rappelling, live-burn, and vehicle extrication. Eight of the cadets in this academy are military veterans, and three of the cadets are female. Dan Word, Dean of Career Education and Human Development, served as the keynote speaker. He shared with the audience and graduates lessons learned throughout his career.

There were two class speakers, Jose Panuco and Denice Lopez, who served as Association Leaders during the academy and were in charge of fundraising efforts that helped raise over $5,000 to cover costs of the certifications. The cadets unveiled the Academy 101 plaque, featuring their academy motto, “Together As One,” which will hang in the back of the classroom until the next academy graduates.