(May 4, 2008) -- After 16 grueling weeks of physical and academic challenges, 17 LB Firefighter Recruits in Class 2008A became LBFD Firefighters in a May 3 graduation ceremony that included more than "Pomp & Circumstance."

The graduates hauled ladders (did so over 1,000 times in training, the event MC said), executed an "auditorium raise" (ladder secured in free space by a team using multiple lines, photo right)...

...performed a vehicle extrication, extinguished a tanker/LPG fire blaze (photos below):

...demonstrated roof ventilation/forcible entry, rappelling/rescue and extinguished fires in a low rise structure and a tower building (to launch video of tower fire, click arrow below).

Familymembers cheered and city officials expressed their gratitude at the ceremony held at LBFD's ELB Training Center on Argonne Ave.

Among VIPs present: LB Mayor Bob Foster, Vice Mayor Bonnie Lowenthal, Councilwoman Suja Lowenthal, Deputy City Manager Reggie Harrison, Parks & Rec. Dir. Phil Hester, LBPD Deputy Chief Robert Luna, LBPD Administration Bureau Dir. Braden Phillips, LB Gov't Affairs Mgr. Tom Modica...and City Clerk Larry Herrera who administered the Firefighters' oath.

Chief Dave Ellis publicly presented each one of the new Firefighters personally, delivering a biographical sketch of each. LB's newest Firefighters are:

John Aiello
Brandon Bear
Jason Cash
Sean Fagan
Carlos Heard
Nicholas Kalt
Seward Khem
Lee Lim
Matthew Mackenzie
Teron Mays
Reynaldo Medina
Benjamin Rosen
Austin Siman
Mark Spoolstra
Ernesto Torres
Brian Vanderwal
Adam Zintsmaster