• 31 new firefighters to join the ranks of those serving our residents
• Determination, courage and skill define Detroit firefighters

The Detroit Fire Department (DFD) proudly celebrated the graduation of Class 90 on Friday, May 8, 2026, marking the official start of fire service for the department’s newest firefighters. The ceremony, held at Second Ebenezer Church, honored the dedication, discipline, and perseverance required to complete one of the most rigorous fire academy programs in the region.

Class 90 represents a new generation of Detroit firefighters who have already demonstrated a commitment to public safety. Members of the class previously served the department and the community as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), gaining valuable real-world experience before returning to the Regional Training Center to complete their firefighter training.

Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms reflected on the significance of the moment and the responsibility that comes with the badge. “Today, these graduates aren’t just starting a job—they’re choosing a lifetime of service to the residents of Detroit,” said Simms. “I couldn’t be prouder to have served this city for more than four decades, and I look forward to watching these men and women grow in this profession, just as I did when I first put on the uniform. They are joining a department with a deep legacy of courage, and now they carry that forward.”

Detroit Fire Department Class 90 Graduates processing into the sanctuary at Second Ebenezer Church, on Detroit's East Side, to the tune of bagpipes.

Chief Jamal Mickles, who leads DFD’s Training Division, emphasized the determination and work ethic that defined Class 90 throughout their training. “This is an incredibly motivated class,” said Chief Mickles. “After already serving in the field as EMTs, they came back to the Regional Training Center and poured their hearts into every aspect of firefighting training. They’ve pushed themselves physically and mentally, and it shows. They are more than ready to serve the residents of Detroit.”

Mayor Mary Sheffield praised the graduates while highlighting the broader impact of the Detroit Fire Department’s work across the city. “I am incredibly proud of the Detroit Fire Department and the brave men and women graduating today,” said Mayor Sheffield. “The work of DFD is recognized across the country, and their mission to preserve lives and protect property is essential to stabilizing and strengthening our neighborhoods. These graduates are stepping into a proud tradition of service that helps make Detroit safer and stronger every day.”

Detroit City Council President Pro-Tem Coleman A. Young, II spoke to the commitment required to enter the fire service and the reassurance it provides to residents. “Choosing a career in the fire service is not something that happens on a whim,” said Young. “It takes courage, discipline, and a true desire to serve others. Our residents can rest easier knowing that when they call for help, Detroit firefighters—like these graduates here today—will be there, ready to answer that call.”

Class President and now Trial Firefighter William Sweeney, remarked on how his biggest takeaway from training was learning to trust. “Trusting your team to always have your back – whether it’s to push you to train harder, push you to study for the tests, and soon, to know we’re working together to not only serve the citizens, but to keep each other safe… that is a very valuable lesson,” said Sweeney.

Detroit Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms implored graduates of DFD's Class 90 to remember DFD is held to a higher standard, and that means they, as individuals, will be as well.

William Bee-Smith, Class Valedictorian, said he always wanted to be a Detroit Firefighter, and is glad he finally pursued this dream. “Thank you to the families and mentors here today who have supported us all in one way or another – whether financially or emotionally, you have always had our backs,” said Bee-Smith. “Thank you to the staff at Training, for pushing us to our limits, now Class 90, let’s go get busy.”

Trial Firefighter Jenaie Edwards, a mother of three, said while she loved her previous role as a Detroit Emergency Medical Technician, she decided to challenge herself to become a merged-role employee, like so many others already serving the department. Edwards stated, “I want to be a role model for my children. They see me take on a challenge, and work hard every day to reach my goal, it will help them to strive to be the best versions of themselves,” she said. She said while she is looking forward to her new shift, and being able to spend more consecutive time at home with the children, she knows staying in shape to do this work will take a lot of work, and she’s ready!

Throughout the academy, Class 90 completed extensive training in fire suppression, emergency medical response, and rescue operations. Their graduation reflects not only individual achievement, but also the department’s continued investment in building a highly skilled and resilient workforce.

As Detroit continues to strengthen its public safety infrastructure, the addition of Class 90 reinforces the Detroit Fire Department’s commitment to providing fast, effective, reliable and compassionate service to every neighborhood across the city.

DFD Class 90 takes their oath of office. They will now enter DFD as merged-role employees, working half their time in Fire Operations and half their time as Emergency Medical Technicians.