14 graduate from MTC fire academy | From the Bradenton Herald

The 14 graduates were Brett Ameye, Mathew Assenmacher, Garrison Clark, Joe Fleming, Joshua Halloran, Jacob Malezis, Jonah Mallick, Devin Melcher, Andrew Mullins, Alana Napier, James Parks, Sean Price, Ryan Scott and

Lisa Sedillo. The processional was led by The Manatee County Honor Guard, including a bagpipe player.

During the presentation of awards, graduate Mathew Assenmacher was presented with four awards — a first in MTC history. He earned the Academic Award for a 92.26 percent grade-point average, Physical Agility for completing the combat challenge in two minutes 59 seconds (2:59) — the students must complete the challenge in 9 minutes — and for Practical Skills. He was also presented with a scholarship award from the Fraternal Order of Leatherheads, a firefighter organization focused on bravery, camaraderie and pride.

James Parks earned the Perfect Attendance award. The firefighter program is 600 clock hours at MTC East.

“The MTC Fire Academy pass rate on the state certification exam is 94 percent,” Academy coordinator Henry Sheffield told the audience. The class will take state exams Tuesday.