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Wildland Firefighter Academy graduates 31

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Graduates pose for a group picture at the conclusion of the ceremony.
Graduates pose for a group picture at the conclusion of the ceremony.

LANCASTER – Before a crowd of more than 150 proud family members Friday afternoon, 31 men and women graduated from Antelope Valley College’s Wildland Firefighter Academy.

The students spent 240 hours in a rigorous summer training program to earn certification from the National Wildfire Coordinating Group. The training, which focuses on various aspects of wildland firefighting, prepares the students for entry-level jobs as wildland firefighters.

Class President Joshua Franco spoke at the ceremony.
Class President Joshua Franco spoke at the ceremony.

At Friday’s graduation ceremony, retired Glendale Fire Department Battalion Chief Bill Bailey encouraged the future firefighters to always fall back on their training and to remember the three most important qualities learned from the academy – commitment, teamwork, and work ethic.

Class President Joshua Franco and Class Battalion Chief Armando Aguas also gave encouraging remarks at the ceremony.

Alfonso Perez was recognized by his peers as the Most Improved cadet; Armando Aguas was recognized by the graduates as the Most Inspirational cadet; and Jorge Diaz was singled out by faculty for achieving the highest academic score.

Wildland Firefighter Academy 10 graduation 3Other graduates include:

  • Hevert Alonzo
  • Ramiro Arreola
  • Derek Bonner
  • Benjamin Brown
  • Patrick Callinan
  • Brian Colmenero
  • Daniel Cortez  
  • Christopher Dorn
  • Carlos Flores
  • Jared Garbell
  • Jospeh Jerrain
  • Juan Jimenez
  • Cameron King
  • Tommy Landeros,
  • Marquise Lawrence
  • Vincent Lombardi
  • Justin Love
  • Olivia Fuentes Lozano
  •  Jesse Olson
  • Jake Radcliffe
  • Gary Remo
  • Brenee Smith
  • Steven Soto
  • Travis Tindell
  • Mario Velazquez
  • Joseph Warton
  • Ashley Wright

This was the 10th class of graduates from the college’s wildland academy.

Wildland Firefighter Academy 10 graduation 4

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Filed Under: Education, Lancaster

10 comments for "Wildland Firefighter Academy graduates 31"

  2. I was one of the members of this academy it took alot of hard work and dedication. It was so much fun being in this academy we have created bonds with people that will last a life time. I want to thank every one who supported us and every member of the academy we did it!!! :) God bless us all when we are out in the fire line!!! Tommy Landeros

    • How refreshing to see young people achieving such a noble goal.You all stay safe and thanks for what you do.

  3. Thank you to all who attended. And thank you to all of the people that supported us with love from their heart. I appreciate all of my fellow classmates and fellow firefighters for everything. From academy 10 I thank you all! God bless you all and stay safe, and yes Crew 4 we will indeed see you all on the fireline.

    -Academy 10 class president Joshua Franco

  5. Congratulations to all of you.
    You, your family and friends should be very proud.
    I wish you all the very best, and be safe out there…GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL!