Academy 40 Begins as Las Cruces Fire Department Marks Promotions, Community Service

A new class of Las Cruces firefighters has begun its journey through the fire academy, while elsewhere in the department personnel celebrated career advancements and members of the Fire Honor Guard represented Las Cruces at a regional sporting event.

The Las Cruces Fire Department welcomed Academy 40 with Family Night on Aug. 27, giving recruits’ families an introduction to the training, challenges and expectations that lie ahead.

Family support will accompany recruits through the academy, and the opening event provided an opportunity for those families to see where that process begins.

Building Academy 40

The following day, Academy 40 recruits moved into Orientation Night and some of their first lessons in working together.

Members of the LCFD Honor Guard helped introduce recruits to foundational formations, discipline and coordinated movement as a unit.

While basic, the department said those early exercises begin establishing the teamwork, attention to detail and discipline recruits will need throughout the academy and later in the fire service.

The two opening events mark the beginning of training for Academy 40, with recruits now moving from orientation into the challenges of the academy itself.

Firefighters Recognized Following Promotions

The department also celebrated several personnel who recently advanced in their careers.

Although LCFD traditionally recognizes promotions during an annual ceremony, three recent promotions were recognized immediately at their stations, allowing fellow crew members and families to participate. The firefighters will also be included in the department’s annual formal ceremony.

Robert Brown was promoted to battalion chief and was pinned by Lt. Dwayne Kusserow. Dwayne Kusserow was promoted to lieutenant and was pinned by Battalion Chief Brown. David Arellano was promoted to driver operator and was pinned by his wife, Marty.

The department described the station ceremonies as an opportunity to recognize the dedication and work that accompanied each advancement.

Honor Guard Represents LCFD in El Paso

Members of the LCFD Fire Honor Guard also traveled south recently to participate in an El Paso Locomotive FC match alongside representatives from other local agencies.

The appearance gave Honor Guard members an opportunity to represent the Las Cruces fire service while joining neighboring agencies at the community event.

LCFD said events such as the match allow its personnel to connect with the community while representing the department’s values of service, honor and teamwork.