Seventeen Fire Service Technology graduates recently walked across the Nampa Civic Center stage and took the Firefighter Code of Ethics oath marking program completion. Family, friends, and supporters gathered in an overfilled room excited to share in the excitement of this accomplishment.
The ceremony kicked off with a welcome from Director of Fire Service Technology, Darrin Raskopf, followed by Fire Service Technology graduates and instructors marching in carrying flags and reciting the pledge of allegiance.
Raskopf highlighted the success of the class and how much dedication each student made to finish the program, “This is a milestone in your journey. It's not the end, it's the starting point. You'll have roadblocks, you’ll have stumbles, you’ll have setbacks, but you will overcome those because of what you've accomplished”.
Chief Chris King from the Nampa Fire Department joined the ceremony to acknowledge and celebrate the students and their achievement. He stated, “You guys put a lot of hours in time, sweat, blood, and tears to do this. This is a momentous occasion not only for you, the graduates, but also the friends and families in the crowd that supported and will benefit from your selfless dedication.”
Valedictorian and Fall 2023 Top Academic Award recipient, Cosette Renner, also spoke during the ceremony expressing gratitude for Class 5. “We began as a group of 17 individuals with diverse backgrounds, ages, and experiences. We came together with a common goal, purpose, and passion for the fire service”, said Renner. We have excelled both as a group and individually coming out of this academy.”
Nine students from Class 5 will be transitioning to internships throughout the Treasure Valley and two have already secured employment. For more information visit the Fire Service Technology program.