Forty-five members of the Detroit Fire Department’s Training Class 89 officially received their badges today, marking the successful completion of their probationary period and their transition into full-fledged Detroit Firefighters.

The milestone represents years of commitment, sacrifice, and training. Before earning their badges, these members completed Emergency Medical Technician training and certification, graduated from basic fire training, and spent months proving themselves in the field under the supervision of experienced officers throughout the department.

As probationary firefighters, each member’s performance was evaluated daily by the Battalion Chiefs and officers responsible for overseeing their development after the academy. Only after demonstrating the skill, professionalism, teamwork, and dependability required of a Detroit Firefighter were they recommended to officially join the ranks.

Mayor Mary Sheffield congratulates these firefighters for reaching this important milestone and officially joining the ranks of Detroit’s Bravest following the completion of their probationary service. “Nothing is more important than making sure Detroiters feel safe in their neighborhoods and know help will come when they need it most,” said Mayor Sheffield. “Today, these firefighters are earning more than a badge — they are earning the trust of the people of Detroit and taking on the responsibility that comes with serving this community with courage, compassion, and excellence. I’m proud to welcome them as full members of the Detroit Fire Department as we continue working together to build a stronger Detroit.”  

Class 89 stands ready to serve the City of Detroit as full members of the Detroit Fire Department. 

“These members have worked incredibly hard for this moment, and I couldn’t be more excited for them as they learn where they’ll be assigned and begin this next chapter as full members of the Detroit Fire Department,” said Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms. “I still remember my own days in fire operations and the pride that came with joining a company and becoming part of a firehouse family. The people you serve beside become some of the most important people in your life. They train together, respond together, and look out for one another every single day. Today is a major accomplishment, and they’ve earned every bit of it.”

David Nelson, Chief of the Detroit Fire Department, said the badge ceremony represents far more than simply completing training requirements. “These firefighters have worked for this moment, and they should be proud of everything it took to get here,” said Nelson. “They graduated EMS school, completed their probationary time as EMTs, graduated from the fire academy, and now they’ve proven themselves in the field as firefighters. Today means their teams know they can trust them completely — even with their lives. That trust is earned, and these members earned it.”  

All smiles! From left to right: Firefighter/EMTs Darez Johnson, Bacarri Stanley, DeMoines Whitney and Dequan Watson. 

Chief Jamal Mickles, who oversees the department’s Training Division, reflected on watching the firefighters develop from recruits into operational members of the department. “It’s a proud day for all of us in Training,” said Chief Mickles. “We had the privilege of helping shape and prepare these firefighters for the realities of this profession, and it’s incredibly rewarding to celebrate this moment with them today. They’ve put in the work, stayed committed, and proven they belong.”

Class 89 President, Prentis Dowgiallo, encouraged his classmates as they move forward into this next step of service to Detroiters. “Bravery is doing something in the face of fear,” he said. “Even if something is scary, it still needs to be done.” Dowgiallo presented the class with the Class 89 plaque he worked on with classmates, which will proudly hang on the wall at DFD’s Walter P. Harris Regional Training Center.

Firefighter Zion Horton said he considers it a privilege to serve this great city and to be called a Detroit firefighter. “To those who paved the way before us, thank you. We hope to follow in your footsteps, and know we have big shoes to fill.”

Both Dowgiallo and Horton said the rule they live by in fire service is that everyone goes home at the end of the shift.

Two father-son duos pose for a photo following DFD's Class 89 badging ceremony. From left to right: Firefighter/EMT Michael Bache and his father, Lieutenant Philip Bache, with Battalion Chief Bernard Storm and his son, Firefighter/EMT Peter Storm. Lieutenant Bache has served DFD for 25 years, and Chief Storm has served for 35 years. 

Battalion Chief Bernard Storm said today’s ceremony was the proudest day of his life, as his son Peter received his DFD badge. Storm said, “It takes dedication, hard work and commitment to serve as a member of the Detroit Fire Department. I tell my son to be honest and strive to do your best every day.” His son, Peter Storm, said he’ll be working the same shift as his father, but not at the same firehouse. He is excited to get to work at his new firehouse and can’t wait to start cooking like his dad.

Battalion Chief Timothy Wilson comes from a long line of Detroit Firefighters – one that now spans five generations. His great grandfather came to Detroit and joined DFD in 1917. After fighting for our country in World War II, his grandfather joined DFD in 1946. Wilson, whose two sons currently serve the City of Detroit as Firefighters, today welcomed his nephew, Cameron, into the DFD family as a full member. “I am sure Cameron will continue on our family’s tradition with pride and I look forward to watching the next generation of Wilsons on the DFD,” said Wilson.

Battalion Chief Timothy Wilson, and his nephew, Firefighter/EMT Cameron Wilson greet Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms at today's ceremony. 

The Detroit Fire Department congratulates these new firefighters and is committed to continuing to invest in developing the next generation of firefighters and emergency medical professionals to serve the residents of Detroit with excellence, courage, and compassion.