Aurora Fire Rescue is proud to announce that on Thursday, Aug. 13, a total of 24 recruits will graduate to the rank of firefighter at the city of Aurora’s Municipal Center. The graduation ceremony has been adapted in order to incorporate adequate social distancing measures, and the event will not be open to the public. The graduation will be live-streamed on AuroraTV.org for the public to safely observe at 9 a.m.
During the ceremony, firefighters will be sworn in under oath by Judge Shawn Day. Speakers for this ceremony will include Mayor Mike Coffman, City Manager Jim Twombly, and Fire Chief Fernando Gray.
“We look forward to the addition of these new firefighters to our growing department,” said Fire Chief Fernando Gray Sr. “Their varied backgrounds and passion for the job will most certainly benefit our organization.”
These individuals started their challenging journey on March 16 with unforeseen obstacles ahead due to the impacts of a worldwide pandemic. Actions implemented by the academy training staff proved effective since a period of the academy required them to provide virtual learning exclusively. Flexibility and adapting to dynamic situations have been important lessons in the fire service for many years, and these new firefighters have experienced it first-hand. Ensuring guidelines were followed while still gaining tactical experience, these men and women have endured a process that is certain to create a unique bond.
Twenty-one of the recruits completed the full 22-week academy while the three others, who had previous experience, completed a 14-week fast-track program. When called upon in service these new members of Aurora Fire Rescue will arrive prepared because of their training, ensuring the community receives the respect and care deserved by all. Aurora Fire Rescue is currently accepting applications at AuroraGov.org/Fire for experienced lateral candidates for the next academy which is set to begin early 2021.