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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 138. Media is invited to cover the approximately one-hour ceremony. RSVP to FirePIO@austintexas.gov to confirm attendance.
 

Austin Fire Department Class 138 Graduation
Friday, November 1, 2024 at 1:30 p.m.
Austin City Council Chambers
301 West Second Street | Austin, Texas 78701
The ceremony will also be live streamed on ATXN1.


There will be two cadets available for interviews at 12:45 p.m. in the Austin City Hall lobby.

“The graduation of an Austin Fire Department class is deserving of celebration. These cadets, who were selected to attend the academy following a thorough assessment process, have completed a rigorous curriculum to reach this point. They come to the department at an important time as AFD struggles to meet the ever-growing needs of our community,” reflected AFD Chief Baker. “We are excited about the next chapter for these probationary firefighters as they begin their career in public service and welcome them to the AFD family.”

The ceremony will include the individual pinning of the 16 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.

“I'm honored to be joining the AFD family, and to be serving the Austin community,” said Class 138 Valedictorian Luis Padro-Alvardo. “My class and I are looking forward to doing our part in continuing to make the city proud to call the Austin Fire Department theirs.”

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.

The day-of contact for media is PIO Tara Long. She can be reached at 737-281-6103.

AFD Class 138 Photo and Motto
 

16 men wearing blue shirts, black ties and black pants with hands clasped behind backs, standing in front of Austin Fire Department engine

"Duty over fear, honor over all."

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