Pasco-Hernando State College held a Fire Academy graduation ceremony, recognizing 34 graduates with fire fighter certificates on Thursday, August 14 at the East Campus in Dade City.
The Fire Academy cadets completed 16 weeks of training, preparing them for their upcoming state-administered practical and written exam. Austin Linville was named class leader and received the award for Instructor Pick.
“Each cohort picks its own class motto, and one of our Scottish cadets, Alexander Buchanan, introduced the phrase ‘It’ll be a skoosh,’ with skoosh meaning easy. The cadets took this motto and pushed forward through their training to get to their graduation on Thursday,” said William Lingo, coordinator and retired chief, fire science academy.
These cadets have had the opportunity to train and learn using PHSC’s newest state-of-the-art fire tower and training facility, spread over 4,280 square feet, 50 feet in height and spans five stories. The facility additionally includes burn prop stations for training, two classrooms, pre-engineered covered parking and two 40-foot storage containers for training equipment all spanning over a four-acre site.
“PHSC is proud to celebrate the dedication and resilience of these graduates, who have chosen a path of service, sacrifice and strength,” said Eric Hall, Ed.D., PHSC president. “As our communities face increasing demands on public safety services, these well-trained professionals will play a critical role. Their success reflects PHSC’s continued commitment to delivering high-quality, hands-on training that supports workforce development and strengthens our region.”