17 Alexandria Fire Department Recruits Complete Academy

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The Alexandria Fire Department is welcoming 17 firefighter/EMT recruits who graduated from the recruit school Thursday.

The graduation ceremony was held at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center at Northern Virginia Community College's Alexandria campus Thursday. Alexandria Clerk of Court Greg Parks presided over the ceremony, and remarks were given by Mayor Justin Wilson and City Manager Jim Parajon. A keynote speech by Center for Public Safety Excellence CEO Preet Bassi focused on the recruits' commitment to public service and how they impact the future of the fire and EMS profession.

Bassi noted in her keynote speech that recruits have community-centered training, such as how to operate on the pedestrian-only block on lower King Street.

"By employing community risk reduction techniques, the Department has assisted in crafting an enjoyable and safe experience for the community," Bassi said. "These new roles of preventing and mitigating risks rather than only responding to them will be the future of the fire service."

Recruits graduated after over six months at the training academy. The recruits will begin working at their assigned stations on Saturday, Jan. 21.

"Attracting candidates to public safety has become more challenging," said Fire and EMS Chief Corey Smedley. "But these recruits prove that there are highly motivated and talented individuals who want rewarding careers in fire and emergency services. Further, these men and women represent the character, culture and diversity we value and embrace in Alexandria."