The Turlock Fire Department held a graduation ceremony and welcomed six new firefighters to their ranks on Friday. The new firefighters started the Turlock Fire Academy on June 1 and over the next six weeks they trained and drilled on the skills they will need in their new profession. They will serve a one-year probationary period and be tested throughout the year on their skills using written tests and performance standards.  In early August the fire department will hire the seventh and final firefighter to fill their last vacancy. That probationary firefighter will not go through a formal fire academy, but instead will be assigned to a specific engine company who will be responsible for providing the required training.

The new firefighters were administered their oath during the ceremony by Turlock City Clerk Jennifer Land. The new firefighters are: (From back to front) Sean Burdick, Nicholas Howe, Justin DeHart, Bryan Cummings, Jeffrey Hernandez, and Diego Mortera.