Josh's Graduation

Josh's graduation from the fire academy was last Friday. A big congrats to him. Its been a long road since he first started at the end of May. I am so proud of him. His graduation was one of the most awesome events that I have ever been to. Of course there had to be an 80% chance of rain on the day we needed to sit outside for 4 hours. Luckily, we just had to weather a little bit of drizzle for about a half hour but it was well worth it. They started the ceremony with all the recruits marching in and the important people speeches. Next each guy was pinned with their badge and then came intermission and we were able to go and see Josh. Next they went and changed into their work uniforms and went through about an hour and half, maybe two hours of simulations. It was awesome! Josh was able to have some really good jobs during the simulations. Sorry the pictures are not in the order of the ceremony, but I tried my best; plus just between my dad and I we had over 150 pictures. Congrats to my Firefighter DeWall!!

Josh climbing the ladder to the top of the structure fire

The only picture of my family and us, not the best. My mom and Josh's eyes are closed, Bear is freezing, and my dad and I are just smiling away

The recruit class marching in after intermission

Josh on top of the engine getting the hose ready

Simulated car crash

Josh jumping out of the truck, he's the one in the front (i know the picture is sideways)

At the end of the simulations, Josh got to lead the class into to the area

Bear and I before the ceremony and before the rain started

Ken pinning Josh

Josh and I during intermission

Josh and his parents

Another killing time picture

Marching in at the beginning of the ceremony

Waiting to be pinned

Shaking the "dignitaries" hands

It was such a great day and such a huge accomplishment for Josh. Later that night, I threw a party for Josh with all of our friends and families. We had a blast and it was so nice to see Josh stress free. Today was his first shift and I can't wait to hear how it went.