More than a dozen recruits are completing the joint fire academy

FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) – There are more than a dozen new firefighters in the FM area to help with emergency response efforts and keep people in our communities safe.

On Friday, October 25, thirteen recruits graduated from the Joint Fire Academy in Fargo, West Fargo and Moorhead. Nine are from Fargo Fire, three are from West Fargo Fire and one is from the Moorhead Fire Department.

During the 16-week training program, recruits completed classroom assignments, drills, ride-alongs and live burn scenarios. Area fire chiefs say the hands-on training helps prepare recruits for real-world scenarios.

“Today you step into a role where lives depend on your actions and while your commitment to excellence will make a tangible difference in your community,” said Fargo Fire Chief Steve Dirksen.

West Fargo CEO Dan Fuller says, “At some point in your career, you will find yourself in a position where you have to put someone else’s life ahead of your own. And that is part of our oath, the oath that you will take here today. It is a promise we make to members of our community: When they are in trouble, we will stand up for them.”

Moorhead’s fire chief, area mayors, friends and family filled the Fargo City Commission rooms for the ceremony. The 13 recruits took their oath and badges were pinned to their uniforms.

This was the 11th graduating class of the Joint Fire Academy. The departments say the joint effort saves resources in training and helps build relationships between departments in future mutual aid situations.

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