63 new EMS/Firefighters have officially joined the ranks of the fire service following their graduation from the Anne Arundel County Fire Department Fire Academy on Monday evening, November 3, 2025. Of the sixty-three graduates, fifty-nine have joined the Anne Arundel County Fire Department, while the other four have joined the Annapolis City Fire Department.
Recruit Class 65 began their journey in February of 2025 and have completed several months of intensive training in firefighting, emergency medical services, and various other technical disciplines. The new EMS/Firefighters demonstrated the skills, commitment, and teamwork required to serve and protect the residents of Anne Arundel County and the City of Annapolis.
"You have chosen a profession of service. You are a public servant who will arrive at work for the sole purpose of serving others and putting the needs of a stranger ahead of your own needs. You are now a part of something greater than yourself. When you walk out these doors tonight, everything about you now represents our community and our profession", said Fire Chief Trisha Wolford to each of the recruits before they received their badges at the ceremony last evening.
The ceremony celebrated not only the graduates' accomplishments but also the support of their families, instructors, and mentors who helped guide them over the past eight months. Keynote speaker Josh Waldo, Fire Chief of Bozeman City, Montana, said, "For the families, welcome to your new extended family, and thank you in advance for allowing your firefighter to serve others and represent your community. To the recruits, think about how excited, energized, and proud you are today. You will experience highs and lows throughout your career. If you ever start to lose your passion, remember today and don't ever forget why you signed up, to serve others."
Recruit Class 65 now joins the proud tradition of fire service that defines the Anne Arundel County and Annapolis City Fire Departments.
Congratulations to the Firefighters of Recruit Class 65!
