March 20, 2003 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2003-18) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-5806/Fax: (251) 208-5813 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org 28 NEW FIREFIGHTERS TO GRADUATE WHO: Twenty-Eight (28) Mobile Firefighter recruits to graduate from the Mobile Fire-Rescue Department Training Academy WHAT: Firefighter Graduation Ceremonies WHEN: 2:00 P.M. Friday, March 21, 2003 WHERE: Saenger Theater, located at 6 South Joachim Street COMMENTS: The graduating class of 2003-01 are: Evan Ard David Baker Brent Becker Wayne Berry Charles Biggs Mark Biggs John Black Tim Curry Scott Faust Tom Gambill Eric Goss Josh Harlan Miguel Izaguirre Patic Hunt Brian Johnson Shannon La Rene' Ed Loesche Cliff Lowery Jim McDevitt James Peavey Jamey Peterson Stephen Redd Timothy Spyrka Warren Stanley Derek Switzer Rufus Watkins Brian Wilkins Jon Wilson INFORMATION: During their 14 weeks of training, each recruit completed physical requirements consisting of sit-ups, tower climbs, a 1.5 mile run and the combat challenge. They were also required to pass an agility test that consisted of a body drag, hose pull and tower climbs in full bunker gear. In addition to the physical requirements, each recruit spent approximately 400 hours, meeting academic requirements set by Mobile Fire-Rescue and the Alabama Fire College and Personnel Standards Commission. These hours consisted of classroom studies as well as hands on training in 21 subject areas. Recruits were also required to complete and receive their license for Emergency Medical Technician-Basic Level. Also, while attending the Academy, each recruit met the requirements set by the Alabama Fire College in obtaining their Firefighter II and Haz Mat 1st Responder Certificates. ###