Thirty-seven graduates from a wide range of professional backgrounds officially joined the Hillsborough County Fire Rescue ranks during a graduation and pinning ceremony Thursday.
A former chef, teacher, medical therapist and retired military service member were among the recruits representing the Class of 2026.
All graduates completed the Fire Academy and are certified emergency medical technicians. Over the past five weeks, they also underwent a Hillsborough-specific orientation to prepare for their first assignments.
HCFR has nearly 1,300 firefighters operating from 47 fire stations that serve more than 1.1 million residents across 909 square miles of unincorporated Hillsborough County. The department responds to nearly 140,000 emergency calls each year, making it one of the top-performing fire rescue agencies in the Southeastern United States.
Each firefighter will receive a station and shift assignment, placing them in firehouses throughout the county, along with the HCFR shield for their helmet. The new firefighters will begin serving the community next week, responding to fires, medical emergencies and other calls for service.
