As a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Los Angeles Fire Department accelerated the timeline of its current recruit class to augment the number of firefighters available to work in the field.

LAFD Chief Ralph Terrazas presided over a modified Recruit Academy graduation of 49 new firefighters on April 9. Forty-four male and five female firefighters received their badges and began work on April 12.

The acceleration of the class timeline by approximately four weeks occurred as the department prepares for a possible surge in critically ill COVID-19 patients in the coming weeks. It was also a proactive measure to increase department staffing in case a significant increase in LAFD personnel are affected by the virus.

“The LAFD is taking every step necessary to ensure that we fulfill our mission of protecting life and property in Los Angeles during the COVID pandemic and I am proud of the 49 recruits who officially joined our ranks,” Terrazas said. “The recruits completed their training in the midst of extraordinary circumstances and I am excited to have them join us on the front lines as we work together to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus.”

For information, visit lafd.org.