Academy announces Well Trained Firefighter award recipient

Academy class 387 is about to graduate on Friday. In preparation for the graduation Academy Director Eric Eroldson has announced the recipient of the coveted prize as top of the class, or Well Trained Firefighter, WTF. This year the award goes to James Yebat.

Probationary firefighter Yebat is a third generation firefighter. Before joining the department Yebat has served an internship as part of his Fire Science degree program.

James’s dad is Battalion Chief Yebat. “Hearing that not only will my son join me on this great department, but that he is also the WTF, fills me with pride. His grandpa started the WTF award when he was training director. I did not earn it; I was actually third in my class. So Jimmy earning it is something very special.”

Director Eroldson said Probie Yebat was by far the stand out cadet in the academy.

“That boy had the highest score on every test. His fitness level is superb. Every drill, every competency, every assessment task, he accomplished at nearly perfect levels. Always super respectful to staff, and willing to help out a fellow cadet who was floundering. This kid has been preparing to get into the fire department all his life. He also knows what the heart and soul of being a firefighter is all about. He is the epitome of a WTF.”

When we talked to James he seemed humbled to be picked as WTF. “I am proud to be working for this department. Given my family history I knew I would have to work twice as hard at everything to ensure that people did not assume favoritism. I always whished I would be the WTF, but never guessed that wish would come true.”

Yebat and class 387 will graduate on Friday. At the ceremony Probationary Firefighter Yebat will be given an award and expected to give a small speech. He is then scheduled to start his first shift Sunday morning.