Crime & Safety
16 Fremont Fire Department Recruits Graduate From Academy
The new firefighters begin their shifts this Sunday.
FREMONT, CA — 16 recruits are on their way to protecting the people of Fremont. They graduated on Tuesday from the entry-level Fremont Fire Department 2023-1 Recruit Academy. Their graduation ceremony took place at the Downtown Event Center.
They completed a six-month physically challenging and academically rigorous academy that included training in hose, ladders, self-contained breathing apparatus, ventilation, electric vehicle awareness and auto extrication, wildland firefighting, emergency medical services, rope rescue, firefighter survival, forcible entry techniques and apparatus maintenance.
This was the first entry-level recruit academy to be held in the past eight years. A class hike to the top of Mission Peak helped commemorate the culmination of their efforts.
They were selected from over 600 candidates for the academy, which began on Oct. 2, 2023.
Fire Chief Zoraida Diaz said in her graduation remarks, “This moment marks the beginning of a lifelong journey dedicated to serving and protecting our community. Every day from here out as you don your uniform and embrace the duties of a firefighter, always remember your service's profound impact on others' lives. Embrace each day as an opportunity to make a difference, to uplift, to protect, and to serve. May the badges you now wear symbolize your vow to uphold the highest ethical standards, bravery, and compassion. May your career be long, fulfilling, and safe."
Recruit Academy Coordinator Captain Jaylin Brooks added “This academy represents the fusion of the Fremont culture. The blend of lateral knowledge and traditional Fremont training. Muhammad Ali said ‘If your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough.’ Always aim high because the future of this department is dependent on your passing of knowledge going forward.”
Fremont's newest firefighters are:
- Samuel Bauchou
- Makale Bradley
- Peter Correia
- Carson Criner
- Camille Edward
- Ryan Fujinaga
- Devin Hardy
- Samuel Higuera
- Jacob Ottoboni
- Jose Perez
- Benjamin Potter
- Jessa Rodriguez
- Lauren Silvia
- Gagan Summan
- Leah Valencia
- Malcolm Vasquez
Two awards were presented at the graduation ceremony — the “Top Nozzle” Award and the Chief John Cerruti Ironman Fitness Award.
Makale Bradley was selected as the 2023 Chief John Cerruti Ironman Fitness Award recipient. Created in 2007, the Chief John Cerruti Ironman Fitness Award is presented to the recruit who shows exemplary performance in physical training.
Ryan Fujinaga was selected as the 2023 “Top Nozzle” Award recipient. At the conclusion of each recruit academy, the “Top Nozzle” Award is presented to the recruit who demonstrated superior academic performance and is exceptionally skilled in the use of job-related equipment and tools, as well as one who best exhibits the core values of the Fremont Fire Department.
The graduates will report for their first shifts on Sunday.
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