On Monday, January 4, 2021, seventeen Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician’s graduated from Loudoun County Fire and Rescue’s 40th recruit class. In lieu of a traditional graduation ceremony with friends and family, a small swearing in ceremony was held with the graduates and several members of Loudoun County Fire and Rescue’s leadership in preparation for their station assignments.
Deputy Chief of Training Randall L. Shank and System Chief Keith H. Johnson addressed the recruits, commending them on their hard work and dedication, recognizing their accomplishments and acknowledging that Loudoun County residents are depending on them for protection and assistance during this unprecedented time.
Special recognition goes out to Firefighter/EMT Kyle Fogle who was designated top recruit for class 40. Firefighter Fogle showed exemplary leadership, poise and dedication throughout the challenging program earning the top recruit award. The Lt. Alex J. Keepers Memorial Award winner for class 40 is Firefighter/EMT Matthew Cipparuolo. The Lieutenant Alex J. Keepers Memorial Award was established to memorialize Lt. Keepers, who was tragically killed in 2007, and is awarded to the recruit who made outstanding improvements throughout the recruit academy.
"This is a proud moment for our fire and rescue system,” stated Chief Johnson. “Through their dedication to our core values, teamwork, integrity, professionalism and service, these fine individuals will make valuable contributions to our fire and rescue family and the community as a whole.”
These graduating recruits completed an extensive recruit academy that incorporated 1,000 hours of both emergency medical technician and firefighting training into a 30-week program. The following personnel will now begin their careers as Loudoun County Firefighter/EMTs, assigned to various fire and rescue stations throughout the county:
Congratulations Recruit Class 40
- Timothy Adkins
- Keith Gehman
- Lawson Sauser
- Christian Arias-Williams
- Abdul Aleem Gonsalves
- Cameron Tadie
- Bradford Burgeson
- Meaghan Gruber
- John Thomas
- John Camarella
- Cannon Harris
- Zachary Thompson
- Matthew Cipparuolo
- Robert Hill
- Graham Wiles
- Kyle Fogle
- Grant Lescalleet
