Providence, R.I. — June 21 — At a ceremony attended by Mayor Brett Smiley, Fire Chief Derek Silva, department personnel, family, and friends, the Providence Fire Department graduated 17 firemen from its 58th Entry-Level Training Academy. Before joining department companies, the candidates underwent rigorous classroom instruction, live-fire evolutions, EMS training, and hands-on emergency response exercises.

Their careers with one of the busiest fire departments in Rhode Island began with their graduation. The academy develops the skills necessary for public safety operations, emergency medical response, and structural firefighting while preparing firemen to fulfill state certification criteria. The recruits' dedication to helping the Providence community was acknowledged at the ceremony.