Huntsville Fire & Rescue celebrates graduation of 60th Cadet Class

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Huntsville Fire & Rescue (HFR) kicked off the Independence Day weekend in a special way, celebrating the graduation of the 60th Cadet Class and pinning firefighter badges on 18 graduates.

This cadet class also had the distinction of having no firefighter candidates drop out of the grueling academy training program.

firefighter in blue shirt at graduation getting badge pinned on uniform
A Huntsville firefighter gets his badge pinned on his uniform at Cadet school graduation.

“This is an exceptional class,” HFR Chief Howard McFarlen said. “To have no candidates drop out of the academy is almost unheard of and it speaks to the quality of recruits eager to serve Huntsville residents and deliver the highest level of protection and care. We’re proud of every graduating class but this is truly a special group.”

The graduates will now receive station assignments and begin working shifts as firefighters even as training continues.

Cadet Class 60:

Dominic Asmann                 Charles Nunley

Owen Boatwright                 Braxton Rankins

Carl Britton                           Liam Robinson

Rudy Cooper                         Madeline Russell

Kimo Edwards                       Luke Salvail

Elijah Holbrooks                    Nicholas Sharp

Levi Lang                               Justin Walters

Brett McAlister                      Cody Whitt

Jose Mendoza-Gomez          Josh Wilson

City Administrator John Hamilton administered the firefighter’s oath to the cadets.

“Congratulations to the 60th Cadet Class of Huntsville Fire & Rescue,” Mayor Tommy Battle said. “Public safety is a critical part of the City’s infrastructure and is part of what makes Huntsville a great place to work, live and raise a family. I also applaud the tremendous work by the HFR training staff in pushing these cadets to be their best.”

group of 18 firefighters in blue shirts posing for photo at graduation
The 60th Cadet class at the Huntsville Fire & Rescue at graduation.

The HFR training staff for the 60th Cadet Class: Training Chief Norm McKelvey, EMS Coordinator Thomas Toone Jr., Capt. Stephanie Pinto, Capt. Adam Sisk, Capt. Mike Mahoney, Driver Eric Weatherford, Driver Evan Yother, Firefighter Jared S. Barnes, Firefighter Blake Millican.

“The passion our training staff has for preparing the next generation of firefighters is unparalleled,” Chief McFarlen said. “Their experience and knowledge are an invaluable asset to our new firefighters. I could not be prouder of our training staff.”

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