Cadet Josey Browning, left, who graduated from the 2016 Reserve Firefighter Academy, and his father, Mesquite Firefighter/EMT Keith Browning at the Mesquite Fire Rescue gala Saturday, April 23 celebrating the end of the 15-week academy. Photo submitted.
At a regal gala Saturday evening, April 23, Mesquite Fire Rescue graduated 20 Cadets from their 2016 Reserve Firefighter Academy. The importance of the evening was highlighted by the presence of Congressman Crescent Hardy, Mayor Alan Litman, and City Manager Andy Barton. Members of the Mesquite City Council Cindi Delaney, Rich Green, and Geno Withelder also attended.
Both Congressman Hardy and Mayor Litman offered words of encouragement to the cadets, reminding them that they were just beginning their careers in public service and that it is one of the most fulfilling careers anyone can undertake.
“You don’t make friends in the fire service,” Chief Christopher told the cadets, “You gain brothers and sisters.”
The cadets endured an intense 15 weeks of classroom on Friday nights with practical training all day on Saturdays. They were instructed on many facets of fire service, including Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations, personal protective equipment, auto extrication, forcible entry, water supply, fire streams and attack, ladders, hand and power tools, as well as many other subjects.
Many hours of dedicated instruction were provided by the Lead Academy Cadre, Captain John Gately, Captain Shawn Tobler, as well as Captain William Martinez. The entire staff of Mesquite Fire Rescue assisted teaching various subjects and none of this would have been possible without their help.
Congratulations Graduates.
