For Immediate Release: August 21, 2023

The Alexandria Fire Department officially graduated Recruit School 54 on Monday, August 21, at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center at Northern Virginia Community College, Alexandria Campus. After they spent more than six months in the training academy, AFD welcomed and celebrated 19 new firefighter/EMTs.

“The fire and emergency service industry must be more creative in attracting candidates to this career as recruitment becomes more challenging,” said Fire/EMS Chief Corey Smedley. “The Alexandria Fire Department’s Recruit School 54 proves there are still motivated individuals out there who are capable of overcoming obstacles, critically think about innovative ways to provide quality emergency service and have the desire to give something more to their communities. We’re proud of their accomplishments and look forward to them having a rewarding career with our department.”

City of Alexandria’s Circuit Court Clerk Greg Parks presided over the swearing in during the ceremony after remarks from City Manager Jim Parajon Fire/EMS Chief Corey Smedley and International Association of Fire Fighters Local 2141 Board Member Alexander Lee. Steve Kerber, Vice President and Executive Director of the Fire Safety Research Institute at UL Research Institutes, provided the keynote speech.

“As a new class of Alexandria firefighters begin their journey, it is a privilege to share some of the learnings I have experienced over the last 20 years of conducting research with the fire service,” Kerber said.

The new firefighter/EMTs will begin reporting to their first assigned stations starting Saturday, August 26.

For media inquiries only, contact Senior Public Information Officer Raytevia Evans at raytevia.evans@alexandriava.gov or (703) 746-5190.

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This news release is available at alexandriava.gov/go/4868.