Caroline Carpenter of Long Beach became the first woman to earn honors as top recruit and class leader Thursday during graduation ceremonies for 52 Los Angeles Fire Department recruits at the Valley Recruit Training Academy 81. “I’m small,” said Carpenter, 26, “but I got a big heart.”
“She stands out,” said LAFD Chief Ralph Terrazas to an audience that included Carpenter’s family and friends.
“No pressure, Caroline,” Terrazas told her as the crowd applauded. “You can do it … 35 more years. You got this.”
Carpenter explained that top-recruit status meant she earned the highest overall combined score in tests that include ladder, hose and academic assessments. She was selected to serve as class leader for her fellow graduates, too, she said.