News

17 cadets graduate from Fire Academy

Fire Academy cadets, pose in turnout gear before a drill. Front row, from left, are Jackson Pace, David Hamilton, Bani Asmanti, Dallas Ray, Nicholas Queen, Destiny Govern, Ethan Stepp. Back row, from left, Brandon McClean, Joseph Hart, Lukas Corn, Bryson Hart, Kenrick Nesbitt, Jonathan Hyder, William Solesbee, Chase Warren. [PHOTO BY RICH KEEN]

By Bill Moss, Published: June 29, 2025

The Henderson County Fire Academy graduated 17 cadets during a June 19 ceremony in the Bo Thomas Auditorium of Blue Ridge Community College.

Over three months, the cadets learned basic skills and competencies of the firefighting profession, and many earned the North Carolina Office of the State Fire Marshal certification.

The annual Fire Academy is a partnership between Blue Ridge Community College and the Henderson County Fire and Rescue Association. In addition to campus resources, area fire and rescue agencies provide equipment, personnel, and facilities that ensure students experience numerous realistic training scenarios. Upon certification, academy graduates are prepared and qualified to begin entry-level careers in fire departments statewide.

Connie Wolfe, executive vice president of programs, welcomed the graduates and attendees on behalf of President Dr. Laura B. Leatherwood.

“You chose a profession where lives depend on your courage, your quick thinking, and your willingness to run toward danger, instead of away," she said. "That choice – to serve and sacrifice – is what sets you apart."

Victoria Cortes, Emergency Management Planner/Preparedness Planner with Henderson County Emergency Services, gave the keynote address. Jonathan Hyder, who was elected class representative by his peers, also gave a speech to the attendees, which included public safety and fire department representatives, families and college leaders.

The graduation event also featured congratulatory remarks and advice from Casey Silvers, fire and rescue coordinator.

“As you move forward in your careers, remember to remain humble," Silvers said. "The fire service is built on trust, teamwork, and continuous learning. Firefighter safety is not a checkbox. It is a mindset. Train constantly. Watch out for one another. Remember, your challenge remains the same: be better than you were the day before.”

The Spring 2025 Fire Academy graduates of Blue Ridge Community College included:

Jared Baldwin
Lukas Corn
Bani Devante
Justin Fisher
Destiny Govern
David Hamilton
Joseph Hart
Bryson Hart
Jonathan Hyder
Brandon McClean
Kenrick Nesbitt
Jackson Pace
Dallas Ray
William Solesbee
Ethan Stepp
Chase Warren
Nicholas Queen

Registration is now open for the fall 2025 Henderson County Fire Academy, which begins Aug. 25 and runs through Dec. 4. Additionally, Blue Ridge offers a fire protection technology associate degree, a certificate or diploma in fire protection, as well as numerous fire and rescue certification programs. To learn more, view course schedules or enroll visit blueridge.edu/fire.