As one class rises, so does its banner at the Columbus Fire Training Academy. On Thursday, the 122nd Fire Recruit Class hoisted their banner in a ceremony steeped in tradition, as reported by the Columbus Division of Fire. This banner, proudly displaying the motto "122 First Due," will join the legacy adorning the academy’s gym rafters alongside its predecessors.
A select group of recruits, Firefighters Skyler Baise, Michael Campisi, Riley Gibbs, Christian McClamrock, Luke Sachs, and Cameron Schulz, were chosen by their peers to raise their banner. Their achievement day culminated in today’s graduation ceremony, a testament to their commitment and rigor throughout a demanding 32-week training program. Meanwhile, the accolades didn’t stop with the banner, as Firefighter P/T instructor Farouk Houssein was recognized as the best instructor. This individual joined the Division in 2021 and is also a past recipient of the Brandin O’ Keefe “Not An Ordinary Man” award.
Among the recruits, a spotlight was shown on Lucas Zastrow for his outstanding academic performance and Kevin Mason, who distinguished himself with the best physical testing scores. A number of recruits, Christopher Bailey, Joshua Burke, Estelle Byelene, Seth Crago, Jeremy Cullison, Stephen Diercks, Samuel Foster, Riley Gibbs, Colin Heasley, Matthew Krupa-Gregory, and Luke Sachs, were nominated for the significant Brandin O’ Keefe “Not An Ordinary Man” Award, which recognizes extraordinary character and dedication among firefighters. Krupa-Gregory, committed to his military service, could not attend the prestigious occasion.
The class roster, emblematic of a diverse group dedicated to the service of others, includes a variety of backgrounds and life experiences. Each graduate, from Christopher Bailey to Heath Wiseman, steps into a role of valor and commitment, bearing the responsibility intrinsic to the title of a Columbus firefighter. As they enter the fray of real-world trials and emergencies, they carry with them the weight of their gear and the collective hope and trust of the community they’ve pledged to protect.
