Fire Academy Graduates Celebrate Hard-earned Achievements

Congratulations are in order for 10 future firefighters who received their certifications and other honors during Friday’s ceremony recognizing Angelina College's most recent  Fire Academy graduates. In the ceremony held inside AC’s Hudgins Hall, Cadet James Moore of Timpson earned both Valedictorian and Most Outstanding Cadet honors.

Chief Debra Knight, State Fire Marshall, offered the keynote address. Knight, a retired colonel who served as a combat medic in the U.S. Army before she was appointed State Fire Marshall, lauded the cadets on their achievements.

“First, congratulations, because completing this program is no small feat,” Knight said. “It takes grit, perseverance, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to serve others. You should be proud of what you’ve accomplished, and your families should feel proud of you as well.

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Knight shared her experiences while reminding the new firefighters to prepare for the unexpected; she spoke of the time her Army unit was called back to duty on the day they were supposed to return home.

“What I remember most isn’t the disappointment,” Knight said, “even though to this day I still feel that sinking feeling in my stomach, but mostly I remember how our team came together for each other.

Moore, also a veteran, spoke of finding a “new purpose” over the course of the grueling 16-week academy.

“I don’t think I could have done this without my new brothers,” Moore said. “In this time, we’ve made lifelong memories and friends, and I look forward to working with you guys and getting after it.”

Angelina College Fire Academy Graduates

• Carson Basham, Pollok
• Brandon Bostick, Huntington
• Cameron Buettner, Nacogdoches
• Jack Christensen, Nacogdoches
• Damian Diaz, Lufkin
• Kolton Karns, Douglass
• James Moore, Timpson
• Alex Padilla, Nacogdoches
• Riley Vanscoder, Nacogdoches
• Chris Vasquez, Lufkin

Instructors and staff for Class 25-63: Jason Pope, Chief Training Officer, Angelina College Fire Academy; Battalion Chief Shawn Dillon, Assistant Coordinator, Angelina College

Fire Academy/Nacogdoches Fire Department; Adam Inman, Porter FD; Justin Guynes, Houston Fire Department; Jason Stuck, Lufkin Fire Department; Anthony Holcombe, Lufkin Fire Department; Mason King, Nacogdoches Fire Department; Kim Capps, Public Safety Specialist; and Ashley Jowell, Angelina College Police Department/Director of Public Safety Training Fire/Law Enforcement.