AUSTIN (KXAN) — The next class of Austin firefighters graduated Friday at Great Hills Baptist Church in northwest Austin.
The Austin Fire Department Cadet Class 137 honored 32 cadets after a 28-week academy, as the fire department continues facing staffing shortages.
Each cadet received a pinning by family and friends, and various awards — like Best All-Around Cadet and the Valedictorian — were presented during the ceremony, according to AFD.
A firefighter spoke to KXAN Friday and gave some words of advice for others interested in joining the department.
“For anybody who is interested in joining the department, or anybody who sees this, the fire department has so many resources they offer, whether it be from pass the torch, which I participated in. Or several other community outreach programs to get civilians like myself interested in the job,” said Justin Allen, AFD probationary firefighter.
The graduates will continue as probationary firefighters for 24 weeks at stations through the city, according to AFD.