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Roanoke Valley welcomes latest class of firefighters, EMTs

24 recruits took the stage at the Berglund Center Thursday

The Roanoke Valley Regional Fire-EMS Academy welcomed its newest recruits Thursday. (WSLS 10)

ROANOKE, Va. – The Roanoke Valley Regional Fire-EMS Academy welcomed its newest recruits Thursday.

24 new firefighters and EMTs will now start their new careers in Roanoke City, Roanoke County and Botetourt County.

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Roanoke Fire-EMS Chief Dave Hoback says the recruits faced a unique set of challenges during their time at the academy because of the pandemic.

“Anytime we graduated new firefighters and put them out to the company, it’s a great day for the valley and, and I will tell you the day, this is, it’s unique to the class,” Roanoke Fire-EMS Chief Dave Hoback said.

The graduation ceremony wrapped up with an even more special occasion.

Tom Forkin proposed to his longtime girlfriend Mikaela make the moment one the couple would cherish for the rest of their lives.

SHE SAID YES! 💍 Graduating from the Roanoke Regional Fire-EMS Academy wasn't the biggest part of Tom Forkin's day — it was proposing to his now fiancé! Congratulations to the happy couple!!

Posted by WSLS 10 / WSLS.com on Thursday, May 27, 2021

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About the Author
Annie Schroeder headshot

Annie Schroeder joined the 10 News team as a reporter in June 2020 and is no stranger to Southwest Virginia.