Alameda County Firefighters Graduate Academy

Bay City News - Twenty-four new firefighters in Alameda County will be showing off their skills for friends and family at graduation events Wednesday evening.

The firefighters have completed the Alameda County Fire Department's 16-week training academy.

Recruits attending the XAL Academy trained in various aspects of fire and emergency protocol including medical services, hazardous materials, fire prevention, helicopter operations, and water rescue, fire officials said.

The trainees battled live fires at training centers and got hands-on experience dealing with gas and oil burns as well as wildfires, according to Alameda County fire officials.

Four of today's graduates are transplants from nearby fire departments that experienced layoffs. Graduation day begins with a family event, during which the recruits will demonstrate some of the skills they've learned before receiving station assignments and helmet insignias.

Recruits will receive department badges and performance and leadership awards will be presented at this evening's graduation ceremony.

The graduation will take place at 6 p.m. at the Castro Valley Center for the Arts at 19501 Redwood Road in Castro Valley.