Program Launches 22 New Firefighters into Profession
By GARY STALLARD
AC News Service
The Angelina College Fire Academy last week celebrated its Class of 24-62 graduates with a ceremony held inside AC’s Hudgins Hall.
A total of 22 cadets received their designations as certified firefighters following the 16-week course.
Cadets earning individual awards included Valedictorian Clayton B. Fault, who edged classmate Mark David-Reeder by a mere .3 points. The Most Outstanding Cadet recipient was Dominic Erickson.
Keynote speaker was AC Fire Academy alumnus Lt. Adam Inman of the Porter Fire Department.
“I sat in the very same seats where you’re sitting 12 years ago,” Inman told the new graduates. “Now I stand here as a career fire fighter, and I hope you’ll one day have the chance to say the same.”
Inman, who also served as an instructor, joked that he couldn’t believe he was allowed to serve as keynote speaker “after everything we (instructors) have thrown at you.”
“For many of you, this is the start of a long and hopefully fulfilling career,” Inman said. “As firefighters, we see the best and worst of what life has to offer, and we have the chance to make a difference. I ask that you train hard, find beauty in the grind, and take pride in your crew, your station and your equipment. Be the first one working and the last to sit down.
“Remember, we ride on the shoulders of the giants who have paved the way for us to have the reputation we have with the public. Do not take that lightly.”
Valedictorian Faulk acknowledged the bond forged throughout the training.
“I consider these men my brothers,” Faulk said, referring to his fellow graduates. “Over the past few months, we’ve not only gained the knowledge and training to become firemen, but we’ve also learned the camaraderie of the fire service.”
Jason Pope, Fire Academy Coordinator, reminded the new firefighters of their status in the community.
“You’ve asked for the privilege to stand on the front lines with your communities, and when they’re having the worst day of their lives, when they feel they have nowhere else to turn, you’ll be there to fix their problems,” Pope said. “Ease their pain or provide them with a path to safety.
“The privilege you’re asking for comes with the responsibility of trust – a trust paid for by those who came before you who spent their blood, sweat and tears. It’s the trust that makes citizens of your community feel comfortable when you enter their homes in their most vulnerable moments. Do not take these privileges lightly.”
Following is the list of new fire fighters, including their home towns of record (cities are in Texas unless otherwise specified):
Braylon A. Aparicio (Cushing), Corey J. Ballard (Nacogdoches), Tanner L. Crocker (Lufkin), Marcus A. Duffee (Boston, MA), Dominic J. Erickson (Marysville, OH), Clayton B. Faulk (Huntington), Carson A. Grammer (Wells), Garrett L. Green (Lufkin), Andrew J. Harvey (Corrigan), James C. Hoffman (Nacogdoches), Canyon C. Murdock (Martinsville), Ethan B. Patrick (Lovelady), Riley W. Patton (Chireno), Trey T. Peters (Trinity), Harrison C. Phipps (Atascocita), Tyler C. Potter (Nacogdoches), Mark-David E. Reeder (Lufkin), Kason L. Riddle (Corrigan), Jay T. Robinson (Lovelady), Christian M. Rodriguez (Lufkin), Cesar A. Sandoval (Lufkin) and Jordan B. Smith (Grand Saline).
Academy staff includes Doug Conn, Senior Director of Public Safety Training Fire/Law Enforcement; Lt. Jason Pope, Coordinator Fire Academy; Capt. Shawn Dillon, Assistant Coordinator Fire Academy; and Kim Capps, Administrative Assistant.
For information on the Angelina College Fire Academy, contact Jason Pope at jpope@angelina.edu.
For other information, contact Krista Brown at kbrown@angelina.edu.
Photo captions:
Group photo:
Members of the Angelina College Fire Academy’s Class of 24-62 pose prior to last week’s ceremony. A total of 22 new firefighters walked the stage of AC’s Hudgins Hall to received their firefighting certifications. (Gary Stallard/AC News Service photo)
Speaker Lt. Adam Inman:
Keynote speaker and instructor Lt. Adam Inman addresses the crowd and graduates during the recent Angelina College Fire Academy graduation ceremony at AC’s Hudgins Hall. Inman, an alumnus of the academy, helped recognize the 2 new firefighters. (Gary Stallard/AC News Service)