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Cleveland Division of Fire Graduates 19 Cadets

Friday, January 11, 2019

New firefighters include first female cadet since 1989

CLEVELAND – Nineteen cadets from the 34th Cleveland Fire Training Academy Class took the oath of office at a graduation ceremony at Cleveland City Hall today - including Lauren M. Phillips, Cleveland’s first female fire cadet since 1989.  The new firefighters will report to the streets as early as Monday, Jan. 14. 

“I want to congratulate our Fire Academy graduates and thank you for your willingness to serve,” said Mayor Frank G. Jackson. “ You have the greatest opportunity to positively impact the lives of individuals, families, and communities.” 

Gender diversity is a goal of the City of Cleveland Public Safety Recruitment team and the Division continues its efforts to recruit additional women.  The three veteran female firefighters were on hand to welcome their new fellow female colleague.  Phillips, the wife of Cleveland Firefighter Todd Phillips, is a veteran firefighter herself, having previously served in North Randall.  The graduation brings the total number of Cleveland Division of Fire to 754. 

“It’s always a great day when we welcome new Firefighters to the Cleveland Division of Fire,” said Cleveland Fire Chief Angelo Calvillo. “ I know they are excited to start their careers serving the residents, businesses and visitors of Cleveland.” 

The 18-week Fire Academy Training includes four weeks of medical training.  All Cleveland Firefighters are Emergency Medical Technicians, and many are functioning paramedics.  The bulk of the academy is spent learning various facets of firefighting including hose deployment, forcible entry, search and rescue, ventilation, ladder deployment, operating at Motor Vehicle Accidents and the use of various tools and equipment including Self Contained Breathing Apparatus that allow Firefighters to work in hazardous environments. 

Download the Graduation Program here.  Watch a Facebook Live video of the graduation here. 

About the Cleveland Division of Fire

The Cleveland Division of Fire has served the residents of Cleveland, Ohio for more than 150 Years!  The Division’s core values center on the protection of lives, property and the environment through preparedness, prevention, public education and emergency response; we place an emphasis on quality services delivered efficiently, effectively and safely.  For more information on the Cleveland Division of Fire, visit online at www.city.cleveland.oh.us or on Twitter at @clevelandfire. 

About the City of Cleveland

The City of Cleveland is committed to improving quality of life for its residents by strengthening neighborhoods, delivering superior services, embracing diversity and making Cleveland a desirable, safe city in which to live, work, play and do business.  For more information on the City of Cleveland, visit online at www.clevelandohio.gov, Twitter at @cityofcleveland, Facebook at facebook.com/cityofcleveland or on our blog at clecityhall.com. 

We are committed to improving the quality of life in the City of Cleveland by strengthening our neighborhoods, delivering superior services, embracing the diversity of our citizens, and making Cleveland a desirable, safe city in which to live, work, raise a family, shop, study, play and grow old.