YFD recognizes new firefighter graduates

Ten new recruit firefighters graduated Tuesday from the Yuma Fire Department six-week orientation academy . YFD said the orientation academy included daily intensive physical training, instruction and demonstrating proficiency in a variety of YFD policies and procedures, and hands on training in areas including fire rescue, vehicle extrication and patient care. All ten already had their firefighting and emergency medical certifications at the time of their hiring.

The graduation ceremony was held at 10 am in the City of Yuma Council Chambers at City Hall and was attended by family members and various city officials. Mayor Douglas Nicholls and City Administrator Greg Wilkinson assisted Fire Chief Steve Irr in recognizing the achievements of the graduates and welcoming them to city service.

The graduates will be reporting to their new assignments over the next few days, continuing their orientation and training as they progress through their probationary year. These firefighters were hired to fill existing vacancies and are not part of the nine nine firefighters authorized for hiring by the $1.4 million award received from the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant. The selection process is on-going for those individuals with hopes for the next academy class to begin in February.