FLEMING ISLAND—Clay County Fire Rescue Fire Chief Lorin Mock told an anecdotal story about how he thinks many of the young Clay County prospects came to his doorstep with the ambition to be firefighters.

"I think when our recruiters started, there were about 50-60 parents, with a handful of them mostly parents of high school kids," Mock said. "I think the parents were looking for something for them to do and get a nice career. We whittled that group down to the 26 we have here on stage."

Mock said 14 of the 26 on stage at the Church of Eleven, 22, were from county high schools and came into the program uncertified in firefighting and EMT procedures.

"The parents here in the audience tonight made sure that they studied and showed up for work on time," said Mock. "They passed all the tests, then we sent them to EMT school and to fire school, and by July, they had become certified firefighters. Then they started the training."

From that point, Mock noted the 14 newbies were placed with the other 14 in the recruiting class to join the graduation pinning ceremony.

"The 12 in the certified class behind them on the stage are those that went the traditional route to become Clay County firefighters via the method that Clay County has used for a long time and melded them together," said Mock. "Those up here all are certified firefighters and EMTs, and they have survived every test the training academy staff could throw at them, and they are ready to go to work on Wednesday."

With that story, Mock started having the parents, brothers, sisters and fellow firefighters come up on stage to put their Clay County pins on their uniforms.

"One of the traditions of the firefighting family and one of legacy is to see the family members here from law enforcement, military and fire service and first responder agencies that were up here putting pins on their family members," said Mock. "They are now part of this larger firefighter family."

Lt. Kevin Ingram, the class's training officer, said it lasted 10 weeks after the group passed their certifications.

"Most of this group has been in training for about a year, and one thing I can say is that I cannot wait for them to hit the street," Ingram said. "This has been one of the biggest classes we've had and one of the more challenging."

Ingram said the group started early at 7 a.m. most days and lasted a whole day of challenges.

"One little thing they learn is common sense is not so common," said Ingram. "They worked on critical thinking skills; from 7 a.m. physical training, learning that even the strongest and most headstrong people can be pushed, to extrication training in 100-degree weather," he said. "Spending weeks out in this Florida blazing sun will try almost anyone's mental patience and fortitude, yet this group of men and ladies held fast learning the basics of firefighting and then progressing into more advanced techniques."

Nico Brown, the class leader, spoke about the interactions with the Clay County staff and the rigors of summer.

"This career is built on sacrifice, honor, integrity, selflessness and family," Brown said. "A commitment to serve the amazing residents in Clay County. It's a way of life, a calling of commitment greater than ourselves. We understand the risk to serve in the face of danger."

Two of the class – Trevor Todd and Covin Clayton – had already received their assignments and pins, but they were recognized.