Aden M. Morris of Livingston was one of nine new firefighters that graduated from the Angelina College Fire Academy June 1 following a grueling 16-week course.
Cadet Ryan R. Chapa received the award for Highest Academic Achievement, while cadet Chase D. Lacey received the Most Outstanding Cadet award after votes from his classmates.
Chief Jason Pope addressed both the cadets and the crowd, lauding the cadets’ choices to enter the profession and endure the grueling 16-week course. Pope reminded them their commitment to the academy extends to both the profession and real life.
“It takes a special person to do the work that firefighters do,” Pope said. “When these men walked through the door on the first day, it was apparent they were not prepared for what was coming. They had that ‘deer in the headlights’ look, and for good reason. But they learned discipline, accountability, responsibility, trust and dedication – not only to the fire service, but to life in general.”
Keynote speaker Captain Williams Gates of AC’s Fire Academy shared the true definition of a fireman.
“Ever heard the expression ‘Jack of all trades, master of none’?” Gates asked. “It’s from Shakespeare, and there’s more to the quote. It actually reads, ‘You must be a jack of all trades, master of none, though oftentimes better than a master of one.’
“These young men have endeavored to pursue a career that requires constant and continuous improvement in their craft.”
Gates also challenged the cadets to “find your mentor.”
“This is just the first, tiny little step in this process,” Gates said. “I had so many great mentors, and they taught me how to act, how to be and what to do. And hopefully, as your career progresses, you will become that mentor for others.”
For further information regarding Angelina College’s Fire Academy, contact Jason Pope at jpope@angelina.edu.
