Ohio Fire Academy Celebrates Newest Class of Firefighter Graduates

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal's (SFM's) Ohio Fire Academy celebrates its third and final firefighter class of 2025. The 35 individuals who make up Firefighter Class 242 were recognized at a graduation ceremony this morning at the Division's campus in Reynoldsburg. To view a complete list of graduates and their hometowns, click here.

This graduating class successfully completed the academically and physically rigorous 10-week, 468-hour program. The extensive firefighter training program is the only program in the state where students can earn eight additional certifications in addition to their Firefighter I & II state certifications. The graduates are now equipped with the qualifications they need to join the fire service.

Throughout 2025, a total of 106 individuals from around Ohio and neighboring states graduated from the Firefighter I & II class, including 34 volunteers, who are able to attend the Academy at no cost to them or their department. The Academy has waived fees for volunteers since 2023, following recommendations by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine's Volunteer Firefighter Task Force that were made to help support and grow the volunteer fire service across the state.

In addition to basic firefighter skills, students learn essential job functions including professionalism, leadership, teamwork, honor, firefighter safety, emergency vehicle operation, and apparatus pumping.

An additional 80 individuals, including 35 volunteers, graduated from the Academy's EMT program in 2025, bringing the total number of cadets to graduate from the academy this year to just shy of 200.

"2025 marked an important and successful year for the Ohio Fire Academy, especially in terms of equipping first responders with the skills, knowledge, education and experience they need to protect Ohioans," said State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon. "We commend these graduates for their unwavering dedication to public service and their commitment to protecting Ohio's communities. We're equally grateful to our exceptional instructors, whose expertise and passion ensure our first responders receive the highest caliber of training."

Graduate Evan Barth has wanted to be a firefighter since he was a child. Now, after graduating, he is returning to the Lima Fire Department where he will serve his community.

"I grew up believing firefighters were heroes, they're someone you look up to, they do the right thing," he said. "At the end of the day, it's not about you, it's about the people you are helping. You are there to serve the public, to protect life and property."

Alexis Leith, who is with the Amanda Township Fire Department, is another graduate who marked the completion of her Firefighter I & II training at today's graduation. She previously graduated from the Ohio Fire Academy's EMT class 0021 in August.

"I am definitely mentally tougher than I was coming into this training," she said. "This training pushes you mentally and physically. It was hard, but it was definitely worth it."

The graduation ceremony was livestreamed on the State Fire Marshal's Facebook page, and a recording is available here.

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About the Division of State Fire Marshal

The Division of State Fire Marshal is part of the Ohio Department of Commerce. The department is Ohio's chief regulatory agency, focused on promoting prosperity and protecting what matters most to Ohioans. We ensure businesses follow the laws that help them create jobs and keep Ohioans safe. To learn more about what we do, visit our website at com.ohio.gov.