• 51 New Firefighter/EMTs Begin Their Service to the City of Detroit after graduating the academy
• Applications now open for DFD Cadets at detroitmi.gov/fire

The Detroit Fire Department today proudly celebrated the graduation of Class 89, a group of 51 cadets who have completed both EMS and fire training and are now officially beginning their careers as Detroit Firefighter/EMTs. The ceremony, hosted at Second Ebenezer Church, marked a milestone achievement for the cadets and a moment of continued growth for the Detroit Fire Department.

Over the past several months, Class 89 cadets have undergone rigorous training in all facets of emergency response. Their fire training included fire attack, search and rescue, building construction, fire behavior, and rescue techniques for people trapped in various scenarios. They completed ladder operations — building confidence and courage while climbing 100-foot aerial ladders — and learned the critical skills of Rapid Intervention Rescue, preparing them to rescue downed firefighters and citizens in fire scenarios. Their EMS training prepared them to treat severely injured patients and support fireground medical operations.

51 new Trial Firefighters begin their careers as City of Detroit Firefighter/EMTs. Chief of Department, David Nelson, administered the Oath of Office. 

Chief Jamal Mickles, who leads the Detroit Fire Department Training Division, praised the graduates’ dedication and readiness. “These 51 cadets have risen to every challenge we set before them,” Mickles said. “Their training was intense, but their commitment never wavered. I have full confidence that they are ready to serve Detroit at the next level with courage, skill, and compassion — they have shown they can handle not just the heat of the fire, but the pressure of the call.”

Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms thanked the incredible team at Second Ebenezer Church for hosting us once again, and implored the newest members of the Detroit Fire Department to always remember they now bear the responsibility of representing DFD both on and off duty. 

Detroit Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms reflected on the department’s tradition of service and the bond shared within the fire community. “I remember my days as a trial firefighter right here in Detroit,” he said. “The landscape of our work has shifted — today, we see far more medical responses than fire calls — but what has never changed is our commitment to the residents we serve. These new trial firefighters carry forward a passion for community, and many are following in the footsteps of parents and grandparents who served before them. That spirit of going above and beyond has not been lost as we continue training the next generation.”

Deputy Mayor Melia Howard applauded the department and the newly graduated cadets while helping them understand the full weight of their new role. "The badge you wear is a promise to the Citizens of Detroit that you protect them with every ounce of your strength and every beat of your heart," said Howard.

Detroit Fire Chief David Nelson shared his excitement about welcoming the graduates into the field. “I am thrilled to have these 51 new cadets joining our ranks,” he said. “They will be working alongside firefighters who have been doing this work for decades, and now they’ll take the skills they learned in the classroom and in real-world scenario training and apply them on the streets of Detroit — they have big shoes to fill as they work to protect life, property, and our community.”

Detroit City Councilmember Scott Benson, who represents District 3 where Second Ebenezer Church is located, emphasized the City Council’s support. “To our newest trial firefighters: know that you have the full support of the Detroit City Council,” Benson said. “Public safety is one of our highest priorities, and your safety, well-being, and success matter deeply to us. This city stands with you.”

Like the members who have gone before them, these members will always feel a special connection with their academy graduating class - Class 89. 

The ceremony also highlighted the personal journeys within Class 89, including that of now Trial Firefighter Andre Vaughn, whose perseverance drew applause from the crowd. Vaughn previously attempted to complete the Detroit Fire Academy but did not make it through. He returned after earning his EMT license elsewhere. “I didn’t give up,” Vaughn said. “I knew this is where I wanted to spend my career. I did the work, came back, and today I’m a Detroit firefighter. This moment means everything to me.”

DFD Trial Firefighter Skyler Morgan was on his path to become a therapist when he had a change of heart and shifted to serving his community in a different way as a firefighter. 

Detroit Fire Department Now Hiring

The Detroit Fire Department is actively recruiting for its next two cadet classes. Applications are open now through January 31. Interested applicants can visit the City of Detroit website to apply.

As the ceremony concluded, Commissioner Simms offered special thanks to Second Ebenezer Church for hosting yet another Detroit Fire Department graduation. “A heartfelt thank you to Bishop Edgar Vann and the entire team at Second Ebenezer Church,” Simms said. “Your hospitality, support, and commitment to this city help make this milestone even more meaningful for our newest firefighters and their families.”

Class 89 Graduate Andre Vaughn spoke of grit and perseverance as he looks forward to serving Detroit.