It’s a day to remember! They are the best and the bravest, and now they’re officially a part of the LAFD family.
After 14 long weeks of the LAFD’s intense and exhausting firefighting training academy, Drill Tower class 2022-1 earned their badges and a coveted spot with the L.A. City Fire Department.
The graduates are made up of 40 dedicated and determined recruits who have given their all to join one of the country’s most distinguished firefighting organizations in the world. They have now all entered a one-year probationary period, the last step towards becoming full-fledged firefighters. Watch as the journey begins!
Producer/ Field Producer / Writer: Patrick Stinson
Executive Producer/ Script Supervisor: Marlene Casillas
The LAFD is considered one of the best firefighting agencies. The department strives to set a high standard of excellence for training and performance. Committed to protecting approximately 4 million people who live, work and play in America’s second largest city, the LAFD has more than 3,200 uniformed personnel. These elite first responders protect life, property and the environment. The job includes fire prevention, firefighting, emergency medical care, technical rescue, hazardous materials mitigation, disaster response, public education, and community service.
While the exact numbers change, recently, in one year alone, the men and women of the LAFD responded 713,762 times to come to the aid of their neighbors in need.
A career in the fire service is tough and poses many risks and dangers. Getting accepted as a new recruit for the LAFD Training Academy is fiercely competitive. Once recruits enter the Drill Tower, making it from day one to graduation day requires candidates endure some of the most physically challenging training in the country. Once they graduate and move into the field as active duty first responders, new firefighters must successfully pass an on-the-job probationary period in order to become full-fledged members of the LAFD.