The Yavapai College Fire Academy and partner agencies have prepared 22 more men and women for a career in the fire service. The future firefighters successfully completed 16 weeks of rigorous training culminating in a traditional graduation ceremony Dec. 9 at the YC Prescott Campus.

“You are well on your way to being professional firefighters and I couldn’t be more proud, having watched you from the beginning to the end, to see how you have developed,” YC Fire Science Program Director Robert Borker said in his welcome remarks.

Sedona Fire Chief Ed Mezulis, the ceremony’s keynote speaker, imparted advice and inspiration to the graduates, saying that after 23 years in the fire service he most values character, humility, kindness, honesty and trustworthiness in employees. “Own your mistakes. Own your goods and own your bads.” Mizukis said he’s also learned that balancing faith, family and career is key to success and longevity in the fire service. “After you take care of your faith and your beliefs, take care of your family and yourself,” he said. “Then lastly you take care of your fire service family.”

The fall fire academy graduation speakers were Colton Uridil and Stephaney West.

“I watched while as a class we transformed from a rabble of incohesive, disorganized dreamers into a disciplined whole… I watched as helping one another became second nature. I watched as my classmates became more thoughtful and cerebral… and better -- better people, better cadets, and better firefighters,” Uridil said.

Added West, “This academy has taught us a great deal, from quintessential firefighter skills to how to act with purpose. But I believe the main thing the academy taught us is how to be a good person every day.”

Following are the fall 2023 YC Fire Academy graduates:

Riley Batista, Brandon Cain, Alexis Collazo, Jonah Dozier, Corie Fuller, Lennon Gregory, Chad Guth, Ryan Henegar, Kayla Jasek, Andy Landeros, Zack Mcdorman, Caleb Meelhuysen, Joshua Rygiel, Kaden Schiefelbein, Colton Uridil, Nate Veanderfort, Derrick Venia, Anthony Walters, Stephaney West, Chase Wilhelm, Seam Williams and Clemente Young.

Yavapai College operates six campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers over 100 degrees and certificates, a baccalaureate degree, student and community services, and cultural events and activities.

To learn more about YC, visit www.yc.edu