Community Corner

Fremont Fire Dept. Celebrates 18 Lateral Academy Graduates

On Tuesday, December 17, 2019, 18 firefighters graduated from the Fremont Fire Department (FFD) Lateral Academy 2019-1.

(City of Fremont)

Posted on December 20, 2019

On Tuesday, December 17, 2019, 18 firefighters graduated from the Fremont Fire Department (FFD) Lateral Academy 2019-1. The afternoon graduation ceremony took place at Fremont City Hall in the Council Chambers.

Find out what's happening in Fremontfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

“This talented group of individuals includes firefighters who are advanced hazardous materials technicians and specialists, advanced rescue specialists, a rated and certified fire investigator, advanced level paramedics with over 20 years of experience, individuals with extensive Cal Fire and US Forestry experience, water/dive rescue specialties, and vast firefighting, Engineer, and Captain experience,” said Lateral Academy Coordinator and FFD Captain Jason Kong. “A multitude of individuals have also been involved with recruitment and community outreach in their previous agencies, and bring fantastic ideas that we’re looking to collaborate, continue or expand in the fire department to serve the citizens and visitors of Fremont.”

The graduates completed an accelerated academy that was five weeks and two days in length. The physically and academically challenging academy included training in hose, ladders, self-contained breathing apparatus, ventilation, electrical vehicle awareness and auto extrication, wildland, emergency medical services, rope rescue, firefighter survival, forcible entry techniques, and an active shooter review. A class hike to the top of Mission Peak helped commemorate the final week of the largest Lateral Academy in the history of the department.

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The first group of graduates began their inaugural Fremont Fire Department tour of duty on December 19, 2019.Please join us in welcoming the following firefighters to the Fremont Fire Department:

  • Cleophus Allen Jr.
  • Ashley Bacher
  • Rusty Ehrler
  • Anthony Ganzler
  • Scott Hall
  • Donovan Kiel
  • Jennifer Ladouceur
  • Emmanuel Lopez
  • Dale Melden
  • Bernard Missouri Jr.
  • Paul Nadarisay
  • Scott Parrett
  • Raven Record
  • Brandon Scull
  • Todd Silski
  • Brandon Spinner
  • Ryan Stafford
  • Brian Woodson Jr.

A recording of the Lateral Academy 2019-1 graduation ceremony is available online to view; scroll forward to the 12:10 minute mark.

To learn more about future Fremont Fire Department recruitments, visit our webpage.


This press release was produced by the City of Fremont. The views expressed here are the author’s own.