Crafton Hills College graduates 111th Fire Academy - Crafton Hills College

Publish Date: Dec. 12, 2024

Fire Academy 111th

When cadets from Crafton Hills College’s 111th Basic Fire Fighter Training Academy began their rigorous 18-week program, they were determined to finish the program as a unified group.

So, when a fellow cadet was experiencing transportation issues and considered dropping out, Cadet Jason Thomas stepped up and assured his classmate would get to-and-from the college to complete his studies.

“This group has come together and bonded like no other,” shared Academy Chief Ryan Harold during a special graduation ceremony for the class on Dec. 12 in  CHC’s Finkelstein Performing Arts Center. “They committed themselves to the motto of ‘As One.’ They hang out, have dinner[together]… I can’t say enough about how proud I am of how they bonded with one another.”

Twenty-nine cadets made up the 111th class, all of whom had loved ones “hooting” and “hollering” for them on stage. Each academy graduation features graduation traditions such as the ringing of the fire bell, a special performance on pipes to kick things off, and remarks from program facilitators like “Crazy Instagram Mom” and Interim Associate Dean of Public Safety Amanda Ward.

“You are forever special to me as you are the first academy that I’ve got to serve in this particular capacity. I am so happy to have witnessed this and been able to participate with you,” Ward said. “I am extremely proud of you.”

No academy celebration would be complete without the acknowledgment of student success through awards from academy leaders. They were:

  • Paul Lagace Hazmat Challenge Coin Award: Christopher Calvillo
  • Most Inspirational Cadet Award: Jason Thomas
  • Academic Achievement Award: Christopher Calvillo
  • Instructors Award: Nicholas De Vries
  • The MT 241 Scholarship (formerly the Michael Orland Scholarship): Zackery Anderson

Rounding out the rest of the 111th Academy Class were Joseph Aguilar, Christopher Albrecht, Cameron Caress, Austin Castillo, Devon Duarte, Andrew Fry, Andrew Galindo, Caleb Gill, Samuel Gomez, Elijah Greene, Joshua Hansen, Dylan Harmon, Isaac Hernandez, Giovanni Iniguez, Brandon Johnson, Landon Kippes, Esteban Marquez, Iain Matheson, Carlos Miramontes, Drake Paye, Christian Santiago, Ian Schaefer, Jason Thomas, Charles Uhrmann, Anthony Wade and Garret Wilson.

Crafton Hills College’s Fire Academy hosts two academies each academic school year, one in the fall and the other in the spring. Applications are accepted year-round, with cadets selected on a first-come, first-served basis.

To view all pictures from the graduation, go to craftonhills.edu/features/roadrunner-scrapbook. 

To learn more about the program, go to craftonhills.edu/fireacademy.