Mayor Eddie Sundquist is pictured with firefighters Gage Bird, Luke Ames and Dylan Monroe along with Deputy Fire Chief Matthew Coon. Submitted photo

The Jamestown Fire Department held a graduation ceremony Friday to install three recruits who successfully completed the fire academy as firefighters.

Mayor Eddie Sundquist welcomed the new firefighters to the department and presented them with recognition certificates. Deputy Fire Chief Matthew Coon presented each recruit with their firefighter’s badge.

The three recruits recognized include Luke Ames, Gage Bird and Dylan Monroe. All three completed training at the New York State Academy of Fire Science in Glen Falls.

“All three recruits have met rigorous standards to get to this level,” Coon said. “This year was a particular challenge with the completion of their training being delayed due to the Pandemic. They have certainly earned the right to be called ‘Professional Firefighters.'”

Added Sundquist: “I congratulate and welcome these three men to the City of Jamestown Fire Department. We look forward to your service with us.”

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Coon offered the newly assigned firefighters a few words of advice: “As you begin your careers, I encourage each of you to remember this day and all that you have accomplished to get to this point. We, as a department, are very proud of all you accomplished thus far. Please continue to develop your skills, apply what you have learned, and most of all, enjoy the ride.”

Firefighter Ben McLaughlin also was recognized with a promotion to lieutenant.