South Whidbey Fire/EMS and Central Whidbey Island Fire and Rescue welcomed a total of six new volunteer firefighters at a special evening graduation event on Nov. 3 in Freeland.

The event recognized the graduates who recently completed a combined fire academy.

Each new member successfully participated in an intensive six months of work involving more than 150 hours of study, training and testing, according to a press release. As members of their respective departments, they will continue to participate in weekly drills and frequent training opportunities.

The 2018 academy graduates serving Central Whidbey Island Fire and Rescue are Justin Burnett, Antwon Byrd and Ken Lindenstein. Those serving South Whidbey Fire/EMS are Rene Kinser, Couran Therien and Jake Newling.

“We celebrate your successful completion of a long journey through the fire academy,” South Whidbey Fire Chief Rusty Palmer said in the release. “We are proud of each of you for persevering through your individual challenges to complete such an achievement.”

The department is currently looking for new candidates to fill the next academy. To learn more visit the department’s website at www.swfe.org

South Whidbey Fire/EMS has provided fire suppression, emergency medical service, marine and rope rescue to residents and visitors since 1950. Volunteers and staff responded to 2,525 calls in 2017.