Firefighter Hunter Stiebritz graduated Firefighter I this evening after completing 172 hours of classroom and practical exercises to earn his National Firefighter certification.

Stiebritz joined KVFD upon the completion of our department's consolidation in 2013 as a junior firefighter and worked his way through all the junior firefighting classes and participated in courses which brought him to this juncture of the service. Upon turning "18" FF Stiebritz continued to work hard and on this evening after completing the course, earned his Firefighter Class II position with KVFD.

Cadets who graduated completed the following requirements: This is a 172-hour “recruit” level basic firefighting course. The goal of the course is to provide a person with little or no previous fire service training or experience with the basic knowledge and skills required to function safely and effectively as a member of a fire suppression team functioning in today’s environment. Students will also receive training in Haz-Mat Operations, CPR/AED, and Structural Burn. The final test will be for PA State Volunteer certification and National Firefighter I.

This evening Chief Brian Gathercole had the opportunity to present FF Stiebritz with his certification of completion of Firefighter I and also issue Hunter his FF Class 2 front which signifies his completion and standing within KVFD.

After his graduation Stiebritz gathered around for pictures with family and KVFD members.

Also graduating with FF Stiebritz, was FF/EMT Justin Shultz of Christiana Fire Company, who also is an active member with KVFD. Justin Shultz is yet another member who started as a KVFD junior years ago, earned his EMT and currently serves our community as a paid EMT at Christiana Community ambulance, and as a volunteer with KVFD and the Christiana Fire Company. He was presented with the "Class Cadet" award this evening by Deputy DES Director Beau Crowding.

Congratulations to both Hunter Stiebritz and Justin Shultz on moving forward in your carrer and for your accomplishments!