Twelve Valdosta firefighters will graduate from Recruit School on Friday, Dec. 2, 2016.  A ceremony for the graduates, their family members and guests will begin at 2 p.m. at the Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks & Recreation Authority facility, located at 1901 N. Forrest Street.
 
After completing 13 weeks of training at the Valdosta Regional Training Facility, the following Valdosta firefighters have received the necessary certifications in National Registry Emergency Medical Responders, Firefighter 1 and 11 training and Hazardous Materials Operations:
 
Louis Audain

Caleb Clark

Jarret Dean

Demario Fields

Justin Howard

Fred Jones

Michael Penland

Louis Rodriguez

Jamie Sapp

Brandon Tebedo

Benjamin Wainright

Anthony Williams
 
Due to the resources available at the Valdosta Fire Department, firefighters from other counties often train at the VFD facilities. Alex Dukes, a firefighter from Moultrie Fire Department, will also graduate from the VFD Recruit School and participating in the Dec. 2 ceremony.
 
In addition to various certification received, all graduating firefighters have also participated in over 60 hours of strenuous physical fitness training, apparatus operator familiarization, team-building and professional mentoring, and they have gained valuable experience while assisting with storm preparation efforts for Hurricane Hermine.
 
The public is invited to attend the ceremony to welcome these firefighters. For more information, contact Capt. James Clinkscales at 229-333-1835.