A total of 14 cadets graduated from the Mesquite Fire Academy during a festive but solemn ceremony held at City Hall on Friday evening, May 19. The seats in the City Hall chambers were filled with family members, friends and city officials celebrating this important moment for both the class of cadets and the City.
The evening began with a presentation of colors by the Fire Department Honor Guard. This was followed by a performance of the National Anthem sung powerfully by Neal Stucky.
Captain Ryan Thornton, leader of the Academy Cadre, then recognized Cadet Austin Workman as the valedictorian of the class.
“It was difficult to choose,” said Thornton of the Cadre’s selection of Workman. “Everyone in the academy works together as a team. But Austin shined a little more and also worked to help those around him to shine as well. He worked hard for it and it is well deserved.”