WHAT: Graduation of Fire Cadet Class 197
WHO: Mayor Jim Kenney
Fire Commissioner Adam K. Thiel
Upper Darby Fire Chief Michael Gove
Chester City Fire Commissioner William C. Rigby IV
Members of Fire Cadet Class 197
WHEN: Monday, July 13 at 10:30 a.m.
The 64 members of Class 197 – which includes firefighter cadets from the Philadelphia (56), Upper Darby (3) and Chester (5) fire departments – will graduate from the Fire Academy in a closed ceremony due to COVID-19 restrictions. The Philadelphia Inquirer will provide pool photographs. CBS3 will provide pool video and a livestream.
The Academy’s rigorous nine-month program includes fire suppression training, hazardous materials awareness, and fire- and life-safety education. The cadets also became certified as emergency medical technicians (EMTs), qualifying them to provide basic emergency medical care.
The Philadelphia cadets are joining one of the busiest fire/EMS systems in the nation. Every day, the PFD responds to about 7 severe fires and more than 750 EMS incidents. Last year, the PFD handled over 374,000 calls to 911; 274,000 EMS incidents; and 49,000 fire incidents.