DADE CITY – Pasco-Hernando State College recognized 34 Fire Academy graduates with firefighter certificates during a ceremony Aug. 14 at the East Campus.
Cadets completed 16 weeks of training, preparing them for their upcoming state-administered practical and written exams.
Austin Linville was named class leader and received the Instructor Pick award.
“Each cohort picks its own class motto, and one of our Scottish cadets, Alexander Buchanan, introduced the phrase, ‘It’ll be a skoosh,’ with skoosh meaning easy,” said William Lingo, program coordinator and retired fire chief. “The cadets took this motto and pushed forward through their training to get to their graduation on Thursday.”
Cadets had the opportunity to train and learn using PHSC’s newest state-of-the-art fire tower and training facility, spread over 4,280 square feet. The tower is 50 feet tall and spans five stories.
The facility includes burn prop stations for training, two classrooms, pre-engineered covered parking and two 40-foot storage containers for training equipment.
“PHSC is proud to celebrate the dedication and resilience of these graduates, who have chosen a path of service, sacrifice and strength,” PHSC President Eric Hall said. “As our communities face increasing demands on public safety services, these well-trained professionals will play a critical role. Their success reflects PHSC’s continued commitment to delivering high-quality, hands-on training that supports workforce development and strengthens our region.”
