On April 3, fifteen new Asheville Fire Department recruits stepped up a bit early to join forces with our firefighters already on the job. The recruits of the 90th academy started their training in November and were set to graduate in May, which has been postponed for a later date. All of them have completed requirements to be certified NC Firefighters and EMTs. Now they join AFD as additional hands to ensure the City of Asheville continues to provide the highest quality of service to our community especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The new firefighter recruits join a wave of early graduations to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic nationwide. The health and safety of our community is the City of Asheville’s highest priority.