PERRY HALL, Md. — The Baltimore County Fire Department welcomed its newest members Thursday as Recruit Class 126 graduated after completing 36 weeks of intensive training that began in December.
WATCH: 26 New firefighters graduate from Baltimore county fire department
The 26 new firefighters are now ready to serve Baltimore County communities, from educating the public on fire safety to responding to emergencies and saving lives.
"It's an extremely humbling experience. Everybody is working extremely hard now to get to where we are and a lot of people have been trying at this for years before even be able to get the opportunity to go through it so it's just an overwhelming at humbling experience," one graduate said.
Matthew Ledford, who comes from a family of firefighters, said he has been pursuing this goal for years. He emphasized one of the most important lessons learned during training.
"Coming together as a class because it's not just about one guy or one girl with a group. We have to come together as one team and I think the big thing is figuring out how to work with each other how each other works and knowing each other knowing your people," Ledford said.
"It's a great feeling it just makes you feel like you're really part of something," he said.
The new firefighters expressed eagerness to begin making a difference in their communities.
"I'm just ready to get out there and actually start to make a difference again it's a great feeling to be out there to actually help the people of the community and actually make a difference," one graduate said.
The graduates also expressed gratitude for the community support they received during their graduation ceremony as they begin their careers in public service.
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