‘I learned a lot from the academy’: Bend Fire and Rescue celebrates the graduation of six new firefighter/paramedics

(Update: Adding comments, airing Thursday at 5 p.m.)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Bend Fire and Rescue is celebrating the fire academy graduation of six new firefighter/ paramedics.

 "There's so much I've learned," recent graduate Kaden Henkle said Wednesday. "Whether it's pulling hose,  throw ladders, using a chain saw to vent a roof,, it's all brand new to me. I learned a lot from the academy."

The graduating recruits have been a part of a 16-week fire academy. 

Battalion Chief of Training Darren Root said, "We teach them the science behind fire, the science behind extinguishing a fire in a structure. Those skills include building construction, fire behavior, basic and advanced hose, handling, auto extrication, forcible entry."

The training is designed for new firefighter/ paramedics. It involved 12 weeks of firefighter training, followed by four weeks of EMS training. 

Graduate Henkle was following in his father's footsteps. 

"My dad was a firefighter/paramedic, so it was kind of instilled in me from a young age. And I started doing the EMT program here in the Bend AO program, and I found my love for helping the community."

Root said, 'It's a great class, and they all came to work every day with a solid attitude.'

 The training is aimed at preparing the new recruits for what's to come.

Root said, "Working 40 hours a week in a controlled environment, like training. Then going out on the line and working with our crews and a 56-hour work schedule is challenging to adjust."

If you're interested in becoming a part of Bend Fire & Rescue, you can check their website for hiring announcements.