10/16/2026
Yesterday morning, our recruits crossed the line between training and becoming Probationary Firefighters.
Our recruit class finished a simulation of a real 24-hour shift, filled with events reflecting a typical day in the fire service. Their final challenge came after very little sleep - awakened to an unknown assignment, each recruit had to complete an individual victim search across three divisions.
On the other side stood their instructors and classmates, ready to embrace them. Then came the ceremonial burning of their recruit uniform shift and the donning of the Firefighter shirt—a moment commemorating everything they had worked to become.
Soon to be Probationary Firefighter Shaw is pictured here, but this photograph tells a story for every recruit in this class. The exhaustion. The relief. The pride. Everything it took to reach this moment.
I had the honor of standing there when it happened, and I had a hard time holding back my own tears. Pride, joy, memories of my own journey—all of it came together.
To our newest Probationary Firefighters: You earned this. I hope you carry the meaning of this morning with you throughout your careers.
I am proud of every one of you!
—Assistant Chief Brandon Maple