Henrico Fire celebrates graduation of 16 new recruits
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Henrico County Division of Fire officials welcomed 16 new members to the division and promoted two other officials during its 78th Recruit Academy Graduation and Promotional Ceremony at Hermitage High School March 16.
Eight new recruits completed a traditional basic academy program, while eight others (each of whom had previous fire-service experience) completed an accelerated program.
“Henrico Division of Fire commends the graduates of Recruit Academy 78 and their families," said Kevin Bartal, assistant chief of professional development and training. “We’re grateful to these 16 individuals for their selfless commitment to protecting the lives and property of Henrico’s neighbors and visitors. They add tremendous value to our workforce and the community, and they deserve to be celebrated.”
Eleven of the firefighter recruits are working at firehouses throughout Henrico County, and the remaining five will report to their assigned firehouses beginning March 25.
The accelerated school graduates are: Philip Blackburn, Zach Green, Josh Jorgenson, Jesse Leneave, James McGuire, Benjamin Morrison, Herman Nick Sandoval, and Dillan Stroh.
Graduates of the traditional school are: Trevor Baxter, Alisha Cochrum, Christa Coleman, Charles Dabney, Corban Jungers, Domonic Leuzzi, Nhan Kevin Nguyen, and Evi Shehu.
Christopher Darko, a 20-year member, and Charles Robinson, IV, a 16-year member, both were promoted to captain.
Additionally, officials recognized Firefighters Amanda O’Neal, Duke Cuneo, Eli Boylan, and Michael Nolte Jr. as having been added to Virginia Taskforce 2 (a FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Task Force that provides support during disaster scenarios and deploys from the Virginia Beach Fire Department); and Henrico Fire Captain Mark Cumashot, a longtime VATF2 member, as having been promoted to rescue team leader.
