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Huntsville Fire & Rescue celebrates graduation of 15 cadets trained to serve as firefighters

Published on July 12, 2025

Huntsville Fire & Rescue welcomed 15 new firefighters to the department at a graduation ceremony for the 59th class of cadets. The graduates successfully completed their comprehensive training and will begin working shifts at stations throughout the city.

In addition to passing physical and written tests, the firefighters concluded six months of preparation for their new careers with emphasis that included firefighting techniques as well as instruction to be emergency medical technicians.

group of firefighters in light blue shirts and ties standing at attention

 

The graduating firefighters:

  • Holden Barto
  • Alex Byrd
  • Sam Crane
  • Tyler Eberle
  • Davin Hereford
  • Sarah Jungen
  • Cameron Martz
  • Tyler McBay
  • Austin Mills
  • Andrew Putman
  • Alejandra Sams
  • Aaron Speight
  • John Stewart
  • Austin Vest
  • Andy Young

The graduation was held at The Dream Theatre and attended by Mayor Tommy Battle and HFR leadership along with the graduates’ family and friends.

“This is an outstanding class of graduates, and we are proud to see their hard work and dedication pay off at this special moment,” HFR Chief Howard McFarlen said. “It takes a special can-do attitude to be a firefighter, and these graduates have proven they have what it takes to answer the call.”

Mayor Tommy Battle lauded the work of the graduates as well as the instructors who guided them.

“Seeing this group of graduates accept their mission is inspiring,” Mayor Battle said. “Everyone in Huntsville should be honored to have such a dedicated group of firefighters eager to step up and help protect our lives and property. And because of the diligence and experience of our training staff at HFR, the education this graduating class received is second to none.”