MTC Fire Academy in LWR graduates 14 | From the Lakewood Ranch Herald Tribune
The Fire Science Academy of Manatee Technical College graduated class number 25 on Saturday, February 6, 2016, at MTC’s Main Campus.
The 14 graduates were Brett Ameye, Mathew Assenmacher, Garrison Clark, Joe Fleming, Joshua Halloran, Jacob Malezis, Jonah Mallick, Devin Melcher, Andrew Mullins, Alana Napier, James Parks, Sean Price, Ryan Scott, and Lisa Sedillo. The processional was led by The Manatee County Honor Guard, including a bagpipe player.
During the presentation of awards, graduate Mathew Assenmacher was presented with four awards—a first in MTC history. He earned the Academic Award for a 92.26% grade point average, Physical Agility for completing the combat challenge in two minutes 59 seconds (2:59)—the students must complete the challenge in 9 minutes—and for Practical Skills. He was also presented with a scholarship award from the Fraternal Order of Leatherheads, a fire fighter organization focused on bravery, camaraderie and pride
James Parks earned the Perfect Attendance award. The Fire Fighter program is 600 clock hours at MTC East.
“The MTC Fire Academy pass rate on the state certification exam is 94%,” Academy coordinator Henry Sheffield told the audience. This class will take their state exams onFebruary 9.
The MTC Fire Science Academy is approved by the Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and Training. Completion of the Fire Fighter program and passage of the state certification examination are statutory requirements to be employed as a Fire Fighter in the State.
“Remember, being a fire fighter is not all about the physical,” lead fire instructor Bill Kebler told the graduates. “It’s also about the head and the heart.”