The Austin Fire Department will be celebrating the graduation of its 138th cadet class. The ceremony, set to take place on November 1, at 1:30 p.m. in the Austin City Council Chambers, will be open to the media who can RSVP at [email protected], as announced on the department's official website. Those unable to attend in person will have the opportunity to view a live stream of the event on ATXN1.
The upcoming ceremony holds significance for both the city and the graduates, AFD Chief Baker highlighted, "The graduation of an Austin Fire Department class is deserving of celebration. These cadets, who were selected to attend the academy following a thorough assessment process, have completed a rigorous curriculum to reach this point. They come to the department at an important time as AFD struggles to meet the ever-growing needs of our community," according to the official announcement. The community is eager to witness the pinning of the 16 cadets by friends and family, the recitation of the AFD oath, and the valedictorian address, among other highlights of the occasion.
Class 138's valedictorian, Luis Padro-Alvardo, expressed his enthusiasm about his graduation and future: "I'm honored to be joining the AFD family, and to be serving the Austin community," he said. "My class and I are looking forward to doing our part in continuing to make the city proud to call the Austin Fire Department theirs." The cadets have been through a 28-week AFD Academy, earning certifications as emergency medical technicians and structure firefighters.
The awards to be presented at the ceremony include the Hammer Award, for outstanding effort and performance, the Most Physically Fit Award, and the Best All-Around Cadet, the last of which will be recognized with a leather firefighter helmet. The valedictorian, who achieved the highest overall grade point average, also receives special recognition. For media inquiries on the day of the event, PIO Tara Long can be reached at 737-281-6103.
Following their graduation, Class 138 will serve as probationary firefighters for another 24 weeks at various stations across the city, where they will continue to apply their training and contribute to the community's safety. With Austin's continued expansion, the contribution of these new firefighters comes at a crucial time for the department and the people it protects.
