LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — The Henderson Fireplace Division welcomed the town’s latest firefighters to the pressure. The graduating class endured 20 weeks of intense coaching to organize for his or her new careers.
On Thursday, they walked throughout the stage, taking the oath to serve and defend.
“This day means the world to me,” graduate Isaiah Russell stated.
Henderson Fireplace Academy Class 56, which consists of 12 males, acquired their hearth helmets and embraced the shared dedication of service, sacrifice, and brotherhood.
Commencement day for Henderson Fireplace Academy Class 56. (KLAS)
“It’s an incredible moment. These 11 other guys are my brothers. We’ve been through a lot together. Lots of blood, sweat, and tears,” graduate Nicholas Villa stated.
Service isn’t new to this group of graduates.
“This is the second time in my life I get to put on a different uniform … being a part of something that I’ve earned, so it’s super special to me,” Villa stated.
Villa served within the Air Pressure for 11 years. Russell additionally served within the navy, combating fires on ships within the Navy. Now, he’ll be battling blazes on the bottom. Each Villa and Russell mirrored on their 20 weeks of civilian service coaching.
“Every day was exciting and every day was also challenging at the same time,” Russell stated.
“The most challenging part was getting beat up in the morning and then getting beat up when we’re going over our drills and everything like that, but it was worth it in the end,” Villa stated.
For some, it was an extended journey to get so far.
“There was a lot that was put into this. Several years of trying to get hired in a department and it felt like rejection after rejection. And finally, I got the call from Henderson and my whole life turned around,” graduate Nathan Rhoads, a Las Vegas native, stated.
Rhoads comes from a household of first responders, together with his father, a retired metro officer who accomplished 25 years of service with the division.
“I told my parents when I first started that it just feels like I was born to do this and the fact that I get to be a part of something so amazing – I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” Rhoads stated.
The present recruitment for the Henderson Fireplace Division closes at the start of Might. The subsequent hearth academy will begin in November. For extra data, go to Be a part of Henderson Fireplace.
