On Friday, March 6, 2026, the County of Los Angeles Fire Department (LACoFD) celebrated the graduation of Recruit Class 179 at East Los Angeles College’s Rosco C. Ingalls Auditorium. Before an audience of family, friends, and colleagues, 32 new probationary firefighters received their badges and took a solemn oath to serve the residents of Los Angeles County.
“88 days ago, the recruits of Academy 179 arrived as individuals but stand here today as a team of County of Los Angeles Fire Department probationary firefighters,” said Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone as he addressed the audience. “May the passion, pride, and dedication you brought with you on Day One continue to guide and carry each of you throughout your firefighting career.”
The LACoFD was proud to honor the 32 graduates of Recruit Academy 179. This distinguished class included four military veterans and 14 paramedics, with Dillon Pecel honored as the Valedictorian.
The Department wishes the following graduates a long and safe career!
· Fire Fighter Zachary Akin
· Fire Fighter Elijah Anid
· Fire Fighter Kyle Biskner
· Fire Fighter Peter Burgess
· Fire Fighter Anthony Caron
· Fire Fighter Juan Castro
· Fire Fighter Jason Correa
· Fire Fighter Giovanni Ghironzi
· Fire Fighter Garrett Greer
· Fire Fighter Daniel Griffith
· Fire Fighter Dylan Haas
· Fire Fighter Jerry Hernandez
· Fire Fighter Jose Hernandez
· Fire Fighter Eric James
· Fire Fighter Niko Jordan
· Fire Fighter Jonah Kapp
· Fire Fighter Ryan Knight
· Fire Fighter Alan Ko
· Fire Fighter Nolan Kraemer
· Fire Fighter Charles Laitipaya
· Fire Fighter Landon Lassig
· Fire Fighter John Erick Medina
· Fire Fighter Jacob Menjivar
· Fire Fighter Jacob Nuño
· Fire Fighter Dillon Pecel
· Fire Fighter Alonso Perez
· Fire Fighter Vicente Quintana
· Fire Fighter Oscar Reyes
· Fire Fighter Bryce Russell
· Fire Fighter Nicolas Silva
· Fire Fighter Samuel Tatum
· Fire Fighter James Yee
