Congratulations, Recruit Class 175!

On Friday, February 28, 2025, the County of Los Angeles Fire Department (LACoFD) hosted a graduation ceremony for Recruit Class 175 to congratulate its newest class of firefighter trainees, at the Cecil R. Gehr Memorial Combat Training Center at Department Headquarters in unincorporated East Los Angeles.

“This was the first class in the history of LACoFD to place their class numbers on the hillside of the Del Valle Regional Training Center. Congratulations and job well done to the newest highly trained and highly motivated LACoFD firefighters.” – Recruit Class 175 Training Cadre

Recruit Class 175 proudly took an oath to protect and serve Los Angeles County in front of LACoFD Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone, the Executive Team, family and friends after receiving their Department badges marking the official start of their career.

Recruit Class 175 includes 40 firefighter trainees who successfully completed the 88-day Academy that included intense training, along with physical and academic instruction and tests.

“This career is not for the faint of heart,” said Chief Marrone as he addressed the audience. “It takes courage and commitment to be a firefighter – and to take an oath to serve with duty and honor because on every call, you may face danger and the unexpected. It is important that you are always prepared – and that you watch out for not only yourself but for one another.”

Among the graduates were two fire suppression aids, two Armed Forces Veterans, and 31 graduating paramedics, with Matthew Safdeye as the class valedictorian.

As the ceremony concluded, Recruit Class 175 quickly donned their turnouts to demonstrate their new skills. Family and friends cheered as the newest LACoFD firefighter trainees performed vehicle extrications, scaled the training tower, and extinguished a large fire.

The Department wishes the following graduates a long and safe career!