Statesville Fire Department Celebrates New Firefighters at Recruit Graduation

The Statesville Fire Department celebrated its newest firefighters Wednesday evening, July 1, 2026, as recruits completed Mitchell Community College's Basic Firefighter Training (BFT) program. Graduates also earned EMT certification and successfully passed the North Carolina state certification exams for both programs.

Family members, friends, fellow firefighters, instructors, Mitchell Community College faculty and staff, and elected officials gathered to celebrate the graduates' accomplishments and recognize the dedication required to reach this milestone.

Throughout the evening, graduates were recognized for completing months of rigorous classroom instruction, hands-on training, and practical exercises that prepared them for careers in the fire service.

Statesville Fire Chief Glenn Kurfees congratulated the graduates while reminding them that graduation was not the finish line, but the beginning of a career of service and continual learning.

"The instructors and the City of Statesville have invested their time and resources in you, and it is essential that you match that commitment," Chief Kurfees told the class. "Our community deserves our utmost dedication."

He encouraged the graduates to approach every emergency response and every interaction with the public with professionalism, honor, and integrity, reminding them that serving their community requires a lifelong commitment to excellence.

Class spokesperson Benjamin Sauder represented the graduating class by sharing remarks during the ceremony. As part of his presentation, the class surprised Chief Glenn Kurfees with a commemorative firefighter helmet representing the graduating class as a token of appreciation for his leadership and support throughout their training.

Chosen by the class to deliver the keynote address, Battalion Chief Jason Myrick shared personal lessons from nearly three decades in the fire service. Speaking directly to both the graduates and their families, he acknowledged the sacrifices made throughout the academy and the support that made their success possible.

He challenged the graduates to remain lifelong students of the profession.

"Strive to master your trade. Stay humble. Take pride in your profession, but never let pride replace preparation."

Chief Myrick also thanked the families for supporting the recruits through months of demanding training and preparing them for the realities of a career in the fire service. He concluded his remarks with a simple message: "Welcome to the Brotherhood."

The ceremony also recognized outstanding achievements within the class. Benjamin Sauder received the Highest GPA Award, while Logan Hutchinson earned the Staff's Choice Award.

The Statesville Fire Department proudly welcomes its newest firefighters: Landon Anderson, Christopher Camatcho, David Caris, Zachary Compton, Christian Curlee, Larry Heppner, Logan Hutchinson, Michael Manbodhe, Justin Mojica, Logan Rippel, Benjamin Sauder, Kevin Simmons, and Joseph Uva.

Following the presentation of certificates, Statesville Mayor Doug Hendrix administered the Oath of Office to the Statesville Fire Department graduates. Family members then joined the graduates on stage for the traditional pinning ceremony, a meaningful tradition that recognizes both the accomplishment of becoming a firefighter and the unwavering support of those who stood beside them throughout their journey. One particularly special moment came when new firefighter Landon Anderson was pinned by his father, Chase Anderson, a member of the Statesville Fire Department, continuing a family tradition of service.

The Statesville Fire Department congratulates all of the graduates on this significant achievement and extends its appreciation to Mitchell Community College, the instructors, families, and supporters whose encouragement and dedication helped make this milestone possible. The department proudly welcomes its newest firefighters and looks forward to the professionalism, compassion, and service they will provide to the Statesville community.

Learn more about Basic Firefighter Training (BFT) at Mitchel Community College here.

Learn more about the Statesville Fire Department here.