With more than 4,000 applications received, only 22 recruits were accepted into the Long Beach Fire Academy – where they endured a grueling 16-week training program that challenged them mentally and physically.
On Saturday, Dec. 15, those recruits were recognized during the Long Beach Fire Department 2018 B graduation ceremony at the training facility. During the ceremony, graduates performed numerous exercises in front of the crowd packed with families, friends, city officials and crews from neighboring fire departments.
Among the tasks performed:
Placing and climbing 24-foot ladders;
Extinguishing rooftop and building fires;
Rappelling down the six-story building;
And rescuing the fire department’s mascot, Sparky, from a burning building.
Families gasped while watching their loved ones complete these dangerous exercises.
A moment of silence was held for the late Long Beach Fire Capt. Dave Rosa, as well as an acknowledgment to the training facility’s newest addition. Featured on one of the building is a billboard titled “Fat Finch Hotrod Shop” with a painting of Rosa’s classic truck.
After completing the exercises, graduates received their badges and got a congratulatory handshake from their captain.
Next assignment: Saving lives.
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