22 Cadets Graduate as Certified Firefighters at Angelina College

Recently, the Angelina College Fire Academy celebrated its most recent graduates with a ceremony held inside AC’s Hudgins Hall. A total of 22 cadets received their designations as certified firefighters following the 16-week course.

Cadets earning individual awards included Valedictorian Clayton B. Fault, who edged classmate Mark David-Reeder by a mere .3 points. The Most Outstanding Cadet recipient was Dominic Erickson.

The keynote speaker was AC Fire Academy alumnus Lt. Adam Inman of the Porter Fire Department.

“I sat in the very same seats where you were sitting 12 years ago,” Inman told the new graduates. “Now I stand here as a career firefighter, and I hope you’ll one day have the chance to say the same.”

Inman, who also served as an instructor, joked that he couldn’t believe he was allowed to serve as keynote speaker “after everything we (instructors) have thrown at you.”

“For many of you, this is the start of a long and hopefully fulfilling career,” Inman said. “As firefighters, we see the best and worst of what life has to offer, and we have the chance to make a difference. I ask that you train hard, find beauty in the grind, and take pride in your crew, your station, and your equipment. Be the first one working and the last to sit down.

Valedictorian Faulk acknowledged the bond forged throughout the training.

“I consider these men my brothers,” Faulk said, referring to his fellow graduates. “Over the past few months, we’ve not only gained the knowledge and training to become firemen, but we’ve also learned the camaraderie of the fire service.”

Congratulations to the graduating firefighters:

• Braylon A. Aparicio (Cushing)
• Corey J. Ballard (Nacogdoches)
• Tanner L. Crocker (Lufkin)
• Marcus A. Duffee (Boston, MA)
• Dominic J. Erickson (Marysville, OH)
• Clayton B. Faulk (Huntington)
• Carson A. Grammer (Wells)
• Garrett L. Green (Lufkin)
• Andrew J. Harvey (Corrigan)
• James C. Hoffman (Nacogdoches)
• Canyon C. Murdock (Martinsville)
• Ethan B. Patrick (Lovelady)
• Riley W. Patton (Chireno)
• Trey T. Peters (Trinity)
• Harrison C. Phipps (Atascocita)
• Tyler C. Potter (Nacogdoches)
• Mark-David E. Reeder (Lufkin)
• Kason L. Riddle (Corrigan)
• Jay T. Robinson (Lovelady)
• Christian M. Rodriguez (Lufkin)
• Cesar A. Sandoval (Lufkin)
• Jordan B. Smith (Grand Saline)

Academy staff includes Doug Conn, Senior Director of Public Safety Training Fire/Law Enforcement; Lt. Jason Pope, Coordinator Fire Academy; Capt. Shawn Dillon, Assistant Coordinator Fire Academy; and Kim Capps, Administrative Assistant.

For information on the Angelina College Fire Academy, contact Jason Pope at jpope@angelina.edu.