06/27/2026
Here they are—the 2026 Knox County Fire Training Academy Firefighter I & II Graduates! 🎉🚒
Today marked the final day of hands-on testing, bringing six months of hard work, determination, and countless hours of training to a close. It was a long, demanding day, but these cadets never wavered. They stayed focused, supported one another, and rose to every challenge placed in front of them.
We’re incredibly proud to say that every single cadet passed.
Over the past six months, these men and women have given up Tuesday nights, every other Saturday, and countless hours with their families to prepare themselves for one purpose: to answer the call when their communities need them most. That level of commitment is something to be proud of.
To our graduates: You have earned this. You’ve proven that you have the determination, resilience, and heart this profession demands. But as Instructor Mike has reminded you time and time again, this isn’t the end of your learning—it is only the beginning. Never stop training. Never stop asking questions. Never become comfortable with what you already know.
The fire service needs firefighters who are committed to becoming better every day, and we have no doubt that’s exactly who each of you will be.
As your instructors, there is no greater compliment we can give than this: We would gladly walk into a fire with every one of you at our backs.
Congratulations, Class of 2026. It has been an honor to watch you grow, and we can’t wait to see where this journey takes you.
Stay safe, stay humble, and never stop learning.