The City of New Orleans and the New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) recently celebrated the addition of new members to its ranks alongside the promotion of fire service veterans. In a ceremony commemorating the accomplishments of Recruit Class R-02-24, one member of this group also ascended to the role of Fire Captain.
A grueling twenty-two-week training regimen was completed by twenty-nine NOFD recruits and one Orleans Parish Communications (OPCD) dispatcher alike, culminating in a series of certifications that range from Firefighter I and II, to Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations, all endorsed by Louisiana State University. These graduates are also versed in Medical First Response, a crucial skill in the lifesaving repertoire of the modern firefighter.
The ceremony was marked by the presentation of several superlative awards, recognizing exceptional performance in different aspects of the training program. Probationary Firefighter Wiley Adams was twice lauded, receiving both the Physical Fitness Award and the prestigious Superintendent’s Award. According to a press release from New Orleans Fire Department, Adams excelled in academics, physical ability, leadership, and safety. Probationary Firefighter Eric Van der Vynckt equally distinguished himself by winning both the Leadership Award and the Administrator’s Award, which highlights the highest academic average in training…