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City of Austin

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release Date:
Contact: Austin Fire Department Public Information Office        Email

The Austin Fire Department (AFD) is pleased to announce the graduation of AFD Cadet Class 137. Media is invited to cover the approximately one-hour ceremony. RSVP to FirePIO@austintexas.gov to confirm attendance.

Austin Fire Department Class 137 Graduation
Friday, August 9, 2024 at 10 a.m.
Great Hills Baptist Church
10500 Jollyville Road | Austin, Texas 78759
The ceremony will also be live streamed here. There will be one cadet available for interviews at 9:45 a.m. inside the atrium entrance.

“I want to congratulate the graduates of Austin Fire Department Class 137. The fire service is a calling few are prepared to answer, and this group is taking a noble step by becoming first responders," offered AFD Chief Baker. “We welcome them into the AFD family and support them in their service to our community.”

The ceremony will include the individual pinning of the 32 cadets by friends and family, a unison recitation of the Austin Fire Department oath, an address by the valedictorian, and the presentation of the following awards: 

  • Hammer: The Hammer Award is voted on by class instructors, known as Team Leaders. The winner consistently exhibits outstanding effort and exceptional performance.

  • Most Physically Fit: The Most Physically Fit Award reflects peak performance in both overall fitness and the ability to perform specific physical job tasks at an exemplary level.

  • Best All-Around Cadet: The Bet All-Around Cadet is chosen by the class and reflects the graduate who exemplifies leadership, integrity, professionalism, initiative, hard work, dependability and overall performance excellence. This awardee will be presented with a leather firefighter helmet which symbolizes the highest ideals of the profession.

  • Valedictorian: The Valedictorian Award is presented to the cadet with the highest overall grade point average.

Upon graduation, these cadets will have completed the 28-week AFD Academy where they earn Emergency Medical Technician and Structure Firefighter certifications. They will continue as probationary firefighters for an additional 24 weeks at stations throughout the City.

AFD Class 137 Photo and Motto

32 graduates of Austin Fire Department Class 137 lined up in three rows in front of Austin Fire Department Engine and Austin Fire Department Tower

"Brave by design, built by sacrifice."

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