In an evening filled with pride, tradition, and celebration, the Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority (CAFMA) and the Prescott Fire Department (PFD) proudly welcomed 16 new firefighters—seven joining CAFMA and nine joining PFD—during a graduation ceremony on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at the Yavapai College Jim and Linda Lee Performing Arts Center.
The event, emceed by Eric Merrill, CAFMA Assistant Chief of Planning and Logistics, recognized the completion of months of intense training through the CAFMA-PFD Joint Recruit Academy. The ceremony began with a moving Honor Guard presentation and the stirring sounds of bagpipes, honoring the enduring traditions of the Fire Service.
During the ceremony, each recruit was pinned with their badge by a family member or close friend, a symbolic gesture marking the start of their firefighting careers. Following the pinning, PFD Fire Chief Holger Durre administered the oath of office to the nine new PFD firefighters, while Fire Chief John Feddema swore in CAFMA’s seven graduates.
PFD Recruit Devon Zwiener was named the recipient of the Top Recruit Award, recognizing his exceptional performance, leadership, and commitment throughout the academy.
CAFMA and PFD offer deep thanks to the dedicated training teams and Recruit Training Officers (RTOs) from both departments. Their leadership and commitment to shaping the next generation of firefighters were essential to the academy, building a strong foundation for these new recruits as they step forward to serve their communities.
Both agencies express heartfelt appreciation to their professional staff whose behind-the-scenes work were vital to the academy’s success and the graduation celebration. They also thank Yavapai College for their hard work in creating a memorable experience for the recruits and their families.
“I am incredibly proud of the nine recruit firefighters graduating from our joint academy,” said Prescott Fire Chief Holger Durre. “They have demonstrated exceptional dedication, resilience, and a strong commitment to serving others throughout their training. Welcoming them into the ranks of the Prescott Fire Department is an exciting moment, and I am confident they will uphold the values of our organization while making a meaningful impact in our community.”
“It is a privilege to stand with Prescott Fire in honoring these 16 new firefighters,” said CAFMA Fire Chief John Feddema. “I have watched them push through challenges, embrace every lesson, support one another, and grow into firefighters. Their commitment and heart ensure a bright and capable future for our communities and the Fire Service.”
Congratulations to the graduates of Class 25-2:
- Shane Arrollado (PFD)
- Damon Cademartori (CAFMA)
- Xavier Gutierrez (CAFMA)
- Tristen Huddleston (CAFMA)
- Emma Huyter (PFD)
- Hendrix Johnson (PFD)
- Bailey Keating (CAFMA)
- Jordan Kelley (CAFMA)
- Matthew Lessard (PFD)
- Jessi Medlin (CAFMA)
- Hunter Melfi (PFD)
- Zachery Stump (PFD)
- Kai Tharp (PFD)
- Logan Wilson (PFD)
- Josiah Works (CAFMA)
- Devon Zwiener (PFD)
