Oct. 31, 2023

Johnson City Fire Department recruits graduate from academy

The Johnson City Fire Department (JCFD) is proud to announce the Oct. 30 graduation of four new firefighter recruits from the Northeast Tennessee Regional Fire Training Academy.

Ryne Adkins, Alex Hartman, Jonathan Ponce and Gabriel Ray participated in more than 350 hours of training in various areas including firefighter safety, fire suppression, extrication and fire behavior.

“This is a great group of recruits. I am proud to welcome them to our family,” said JCFD Chief David Bell. “I am excited about the skills, dedication and professionalism they will bring to the department.”

During the Monday evening ceremony, JCFD Recruit Alex Hartman received the Academic Award. He finished the 11-week academy with the highest average of 99.48.

The four recruits will now enter two weeks of Emergency Medical Responder training. When that training is complete, they will begin their shifts with the Johnson City Fire Department as probationary firefighters. The recruits will maintain the probationary firefighter status until completing one year of employment with JCFD.

Once recruits obtain firefighter status, the training continues. All JCFD firefighters are required to complete a minimum of 192 hours of training annually.

Left to Right: City Manager Cathy Ball, Chief David Bell, Administrative District Chief Adam Momberger, Jonathan Ponce, Lt. Nathan Carrier, Gabriel Ray, Ryne Adkins, and Alex Hartman

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