Roanoke Valley first responders had a graduation ceremony

Roanoke, Virginia – A new organization of first responders has been established in the Roanoke Valley.

The Berglund Center was where Class 36, which consisted of nine males and three females, graduated on Tuesday morning.

Roanoke City will be the place of employment for half of the graduates, while Botetourt County will be the placement of the other half.

To better prepare them for actual situations, the recruits have been attending training sessions for several weeks, both in the classroom and out in the field.

“You’re entering a workforce of the most publicly trusted profession in modern society,” said Botetourt Co. Chief Jason Ferguson.

“No matter what fire service you’re in, what department you work for, it’s the men and women who make the call, that make the decisions, make the calls and make the sacrifices,” said Roanoke Chief David Hoback.

The subsequent class of recruits will graduate in June, and another class will begin in July.

In more ways than one, one recruit ensured his future by taking a step forward in his job and by placing a ring on the hand of the woman he is now engaged to marriage.