(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Twenty-one new members joined the Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) following their graduation from the latest training academy class on Friday, Oct. 24.

At the graduation ceremony, Mayor Yemi Mobolade delivered the oath of office to the trainees. These recruits completed a rigorous 18-week training academy to prepare for their roles as firefighters in Colorado Springs.

Chief Randy Royal addressed the recruits before they officially became firefighters, emphasizing the importance of their new responsibilities.

“Here in a moment, you’ll be putting this badge on, and that badge has some weight to it; it’s not flimsy, it’s not light, and part of that is to remind you of the oath that you’re about to take. It is very important,” said CSFD Chief Randy Royal to the graduates during his ceremony address.

The graduation may be the last one for a while, as the City of Colorado Springs decided to cancel training academies planned for 2026 to address the $31 million budget shortfall.

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