Wilmington Fire Department Welcomes Largest Recruit Class in City History

The Wilmington Fire Department Celebrates Record-Breaking Recruitment with Largest Class Ever In a historic milestone, the Wilmington Fire Department graduated its largest cohort of recruits to date, welcoming 36 new Firefighter/EMTs into service during a ceremony held at the Chase Bank Conference Center. These graduates, part of the 44th Recruit Academy, completed an intensive 14-week training program, marking a significant expansion of the department's workforce to 186 personnel, supporting Wilmington's enhanced emergency response capabilities, including primary 911 ambulance services. Mayor John Carney expressed pride in the new recruits, stating, "This exceptional group exemplifies the dedication and resilience of Wilmington. Their rigorous training and commitment will enhance the safety and well-being of our residents every day." The training program, which commenced on May 2, 2025, combined classroom instruction with practical exercises, including a six-week National Emergency Medical Technician course and eight weeks of Firefighter I & II training. Fire Chief John Looney highlighted the significance of this achievement, saying, "Welcoming this historic class underscores ...