MTC Fire Science Academy graduates class #28

(Bradenton, FL—January 24, 2017)   Fire fighter class number 28 graduated from Manatee Technical College on January 24.  In a processional led by a single bagpiper, 11 students entered Wagner Auditorium to graduate from the Fire Science Academy.

Prior to presentation of diplomas, Fire Academy coordinator Chief Henry Sheffield presented awards for practical skills, academics, physical agility, and perfect attendance.

Casey Wilcox earned the Practical Skills award having perfected 92 percent of the 300 skills the students must master.  Mark Delibertis won the Highest Academic Achievement award with 96 percent.  He also won the Physical Agility award; Delibertis completed the challenge in 2 minutes-28 seconds, approaching the record of 1 minute-30 seconds.

Receiving awards for perfect attendance were Michael Dunois, Casey Wilcox, and Nathan Young.  The evening class attended two evenings per week and all day every Saturday since March 2016.

The graduates will take their state fire fighter certification exams next week.  Completion of the Fire Fighter program and passage of the state certification examination are statutory requirements to be employed as a Fire Fighter in Florida.  The MTC Fire Science Academy is approved by the Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and Training.

Lead fire instructor Chief Bill Kebler announced the graduates.  MTC director Dr. Valerie Viands and assistant director Jeanette Eddy joined Chief Sheffield and the instructors in congratulating each graduate.  In closing remarks Dr. Viands said, “I want to thank each of you for choosing to serve our community.”