They are separated by decades, but not by their passion. Julie Bailey started the recruit academy to become a firefighter for Lynchburg in January of this year. Her father, Walt Bailey, joined the department in January of 1981. Julie graduated from the recruit academy for the Lynchburg Fire Department Monday night. Julie is the second woman to follow in her father's footsteps and become a firefighter in Lynchburg. Walt is the retired deputy chief of operations for Lynchburg. "As her pop I was elated when she found out she wanted to follow in my footsteps and last night was one of my proudest moments to see her graduate from the academy."