Forty-five volunteer firefighters from Montgomery County Fire Academy Class 2101 celebrated the completion of the Pennsylvania Entry Level Firefighter Training program with a virtual graduation ceremony on Wednesday, July 21.
According to a press release issued by the Montgomery County Department of Public Safety: "These men and women will protect their communities as firefighters in 30 volunteer and combination fire companies in Montgomery, Chester, and Delaware counties. Their perseverance in working towards and achieving national Fire Fighter I certification during the COVID-19 pandemic is a testament to the dedication and resolve of these local emergency services professionals." Thomas J. Garrity, director of the Montgomery County Fire Academy, offered the welcoming remarks and Derrick J.V. Sawyer, Chief of the Upper Darby Township Fire Department and former Fire Commissioner for the City of Philadelphia, was the virtual Commencement speaker.