Thirteen new firefighters joined Sandoval County Fire and Rescue following a graduation ceremony April 24 at V. Sue Cleveland High School. The Class 8 graduates represent the largest academy class in the program’s history.
The new first responders completed a rigorous 14-week paramilitary training program that combined classroom work with field exercises in core firefighting, rescue, and hazardous materials response. Sandoval County Fire Chief Chris Bagley thanked the graduates for their decision to serve and emphasized the county’s commitment to their well-being.
The department plans to deploy the new firefighters to stations throughout the county, including the Cuba Fire Station currently under construction. During the ceremony, Class Valedictorian Caitlin Holloway and Class Speaker Kenneth Toledo-Tsoi gave remarks to an audience of more than 300 guests.
Other graduates include Juan Baca, Elijah Barton, Joe Chavez, Christopher Gomez, George Guerrero, Noah Jaramillo, Jason Maestas, Jacob Salazar, Antwon Shendo, Bryant Shockley, and Dakota Trujillo.