REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio — Meet the first graduating class of 2025 from the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal’s (SFM's) Ohio Fire Academy.

What You Need To Know

  • The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal’s (SFM's) Ohio Fire Academy held a graduation ceremony for its first firefighter class of 2025

  • Thirty-six people graduated from the 10-week program

  • The come from communities across Ohio and a couple in Indiana

These 36 people graduated from a 10-week program where they learned the basic skills necessary to become a firefighter in addition to skills such as “professionalism, leadership, teamwork, honor, firefighter safety, emergency vehicle operation, and apparatus pumping,” according to a press release from the Division of State Fire Marshal.

“We commend these graduates for their hard work, perseverance, and dedication to completing this challenging and intensive training,” State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon said in the release. “The knowledge and skills they’ve gained at the Ohio Fire Academy will empower them to serve their communities and make a lasting difference in countless lives.

These graduates are from communities throughout Ohio and a couple from Indiana.

Graduate Matthew Limburg of the Coshocton Fire Department said the training was physical and good for team building.

“The experience was great,” he said. “Anyone looking for a place to fit in and be dedicated to something, this is the place to go. It helps build that teamwork, and you really are a part of a family.”

Here's the full list of graduates and the communities they represent:

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