Fire Academy to hold graduation Friday

Recruits from Shelbyville Fire Department will be standing tall Friday as they officially complete their training at the Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy on Unionville-Deason Road.

State Fire Marshal and Commerce and Insurance Commissioner Leslie A. Newman will deliver the commencement address to the recruit firefighter class at the Academy at 9 a.m..

Comprised of 22 students from 13 fire departments across the state, recruits perform a variety of training exercises. From victim rescue, to hazardous fuel spills and a live fire, recruits are presented with a variety of life and death scenarios.

"I am very proud to deliver the commencement address to these brave firefighters who protect the lives of Tennessee citizens," said Commissioner Newman.

The Tennessee Fire Service and Codes Enforcement Academy offers a unique dual curriculum, providing nearly 500 courses to fire departments, codes professionals and other law enforcement agencies throughout the state.

Located on 330 acres in northern Bedford County, this state-of-the-art training facility has been a "home away from home" for the recruits during this eight-week class.