Seminole County swears in 18 new probationary firefighters

Eighteen recruits were sworn in as probationary firefighters following weeks of classroom instruction and practical training, a move that bolsters Seminole County’s emergency response capacity and expands a pipeline of locally trained first responders.

The graduation ceremony took place Dec. 12 at CrossLife Church in Oviedo and featured Fire Chief Matt Kinley as keynote speaker. County officials highlighted the class on Jan. 12, noting that more than half of the graduates are Seminole County natives. Many candidates completed EMT and Fire Standards coursework at Seminole State College before spending nine weeks at the Seminole County Fire Training Center in Longwood.

The newcomers join an existing force of more than 550 firefighters who operate from 21 stations across the county. The addition reflects the department’s continued recruitment push to maintain staffing levels and ensure coverage across both suburban and growing residential neighborhoods. Officials characterized the program as part of a deliberate effort to recruit residents and develop homegrown talent through partnerships with local education and training institutions.

For Seminole County residents, the immediate impact is twofold: a larger pool of responders available for calls and stronger community ties among those who grew up in the area. Recruits trained locally are familiar with county roads, neighborhoods, and community landmarks, which can improve on-scene efficiency in first-due areas. The blend of EMT certification and fire standards coursework also expands the department’s medical response capacity at emergency scenes.

Training combined classroom-led learning with hands-on practical exercises at the Longwood training center, preparing probationary firefighters for the realities of fieldwork. The nine-week training block followed prior coursework at Seminole State College, underscoring a coordinated pathway from education to employment that county leaders have emphasized in recent hiring efforts.

The department included program details and photos with its announcement, illustrating training activities and the graduation ceremony. The swearing-in represents a tangible outcome of recruitment efforts and educational partnerships that county officials say they will continue to pursue.

Residents can expect the new recruits to enter probationary service and begin staffing shifts across the county’s 21 stations, adding manpower as the department adjusts schedules and coverage. The class also signals ongoing investment in local talent and in the training infrastructure that supports rapid, informed emergency response.