33 Firefighter/EMTs Graduate from LC-CFRS Recruit Academy

Loudoun County Fire and Rescue celebrated the graduation of 33 Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technicians from its 48th and 49th recruit classes during a formal ceremony held mid April at Cornerstone Chapel in Leesburg.

The graduates were joined by family, friends, Fire and Rescue leadership, Loudoun County officials and members of the Board of Supervisors. Chief Deputy Clerk of the Circuit Court Kevin Blatchley administered the oath of office, officially welcoming the recruits into the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System.

Deputy Chief Nicole Pickrell, who emceed the ceremony, recognized the dedication required to complete the academy’s demanding program.

“We are here today to celebrate the achievements of these 33 men and women who have successfully completed recruit school,” Pickrell said. “They have endured hundreds of hours of physical training, met rigorous academic standards and overcome challenging practical evolutions.”

Remarks from Chair At-Large Phyllis Randall and Vice Chair and Ashburn District Supervisor Michael Turner emphasized the recruits’ commitment to public service and encouraged them to rely on their training and instincts in the field.

Systemwide Fire Chief James S. Williams also addressed attendees, commending the recruits as well as county leadership and the Loudoun community for their continued support of Fire and Rescue services.

Top Recruit honors were awarded to Sara Queen (Class 48) and Jeffrey Lynch (Class 49) for exemplary leadership and performance throughout the academy.

The Lt. Alex J. Keepers Memorial Award was presented to Kelvin Villalobos (Class 48) and Brady Pyles (Class 49). The award honors the legacy of Lt. Keepers, who was killed in a motor vehicle accident on Dec. 31, 2007, and recognizes recruits who demonstrate significant improvement, perseverance and resilience.

Recruit Physical Fitness Awards were given to Trevor Nelson (Class 48) and Jenica Ryan (Class 49) for outstanding commitment to health and wellness during training.

The graduates completed a comprehensive 36-week academy that included extensive instruction in emergency medical services and firefighting techniques. They will now be assigned to fire and rescue stations across Loudoun County.

Class 48 Graduates:
Teon Bynum; Tyler Cook; Ethan Czajka; Maxwell Dunn; Jared Fortier; Tucker Hoffman; Ifeanyi Idahosa; Trevor Nelson; Sara Queen; Evan Roebuck; Chase Shiring; Andres Sierra; Kelvin Villalobos.

Class 49 Graduates:
Seifuddin Abdul-Rashid; Hakim Aburomi; Joseph Ahr; Casen Baker; Joshua Bendit; Matthew Fiume; John Hefner; Joshua Johns; Jeffrey Lynch; Christian Nestor Jr.; Zackary Pecia; Brady Pyles; April Reed; Scott Ritenour; Jenica Ryan; Stephen Sanders; Brandon Snyder; Liam Sumption; Seth Tanner; Richard Wheeler.