Sonora, CA…The Tuolumne County Fire Department is proud to announce the graduation of five TCFD Volunteer Firefighters, one Mi Wuk Sugar Pine Fire District Volunteer Firefighter and two TCFD Fire Explorers from the Tuolumne County Regional Volunteer Firefighter Academy. County Fire held a small graduation ceremony on Friday night to recognize the dedication, sacrifice and hard work these eight individuals endured over the last five months. Attendees of the ceremony included the family and friends of the graduates, Supervisor Randy Hanvelt (District 2) and CAL FIRE/TCFD staff.

These Firefighters garnered over 200 hours of training related to fire suppressions skills, fire behavior, salvage and overhaul, fire prevention, building construction, search and rescue techniques, automobile extrication and Emergency Medical Services. Many additional hours were spent on their own time at fire stations, practicing, building proficiency, and studying.

Their training and dedication are the beginning of their commitment to their communities. They are joing forces of an elite group of volunteers who selflessly respond to emergencies, request for public assistance and other needs of the communities.

The Tuolumne County Fire Department is constantly recruiting new volunteers. For those interested in helping their community, please call (209) 533-5118. Not all volunteers are firefighters and other members assist the Department with driving water tenders, auxillary members, fire prevention, and public information. For those under 18, the TCFD has a Fire Explorer program, providing training and life skills for high school students interested in a career in the fire service.

We would also like to thank Fire Captain Kevin Siville who provided a majority of the training and leadership throughout the Academy.
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