Fort Worth Fire Department Celebrates Training Academy Graduation

Last week, the Fort Worth Fire Department celebrated the graduation of its Fire Recruit Class No. 100 and EMS Recruit Class No. 1.

The City of Fort Worth recapped the event in a Monday blog post. According to the post, the ceremony was held at the Christ Chapel Bible Church.

This is the first time in the department's 155-year history that a single-role class is graduating, marking a major milestone for the city.

Since the transition of MedStar into the department last year, this is the first time there was a need for two recruit classes at the same time.

The classes are comprised of veterans, Texans and non-Texans, multiple brand-new parents, a certified chiropractor, and several people related to current or retired Fort Worth Fire Department personnel.

The overall pass rate for the EMS on the National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) Test for both classes was 99%. This far surpasses the national pass average of 65%.

The department's Fire Training Academy is a 36-week course. At this time, a date has not yet been set for the next recruit classes, which will be classes No. 101 and No. 2, respectively.

Mayor Mattie Parker, Mayor Pro Tem Carlos Flores, council members Michael D. Crain and Macy Hill, Assistant City Manager William Johnston, and Interim Fire Chief Ray Hill were in attendance. Decorated World War II veteran Don Graves was the honorary guest speaker.

"As the 10th largest city in the nation, Fort Worth Fire has to grow and adapt to meet the needs of our ever-changing community," said department public information officer Craig Trojacek. "We are excited to see these highly trained professionals take to the streets and begin their careers with the great city of Fort Worth."