A ceremony at Minneapolis Southwest High School celebrated the Minneapolis Fire Department’s 18 newest firefighters as they graduated from the 2025 Fire Academy. Their successful completion of a rigorous three-month training program taught them the cutting-edge skills essential to keep Minneapolis, themselves, and their fellow firefighters safe as they protect our City.
Diverse backgrounds, shared commitment
The class of 16 men and 2 women have very diverse backgrounds and experiences. They have been construction workers, civil engineers, teachers, and military veterans. Two cadets have transitioned from battling fires in remote forests to protecting Minneapolis neighborhoods. And several carry forward family traditions in firefighting, inspired by their relatives’ leadership and desire to help others.
“Ever since I was in high school, my dad said that this was the best job in the world,” said cadet Ryan Nolan. He is the son of MFD Battalion Chief Preston Nolan and nephew of MFD Captain Chadwick Nolan.
Cadet Ty Cobb added, “My mom is [MFD] Captain Edwards and I’m pretty sure there’s a picture of me as an infant at her graduation ceremony.”
“I knew that I wanted to do something that I felt was beneficial to my community,” said Cadet Greta Boogren, one of the former wildland firefighters. “I grew up in Minneapolis and knew this is where I wanted to be. It just made sense.”
Regardless of what let them to apply to join, all possess a shared motivation: serving the community that shaped them and embodying the values of courage, resilience, and selflessness.
Training beyond the classroom: grit, endurance, and dedication
The path to becoming an MFD firefighter is anything but easy. The three-month cadet program pushed trainees through a demanding regimen designed to prepare them for the real-world challenges they will face on the job.
Cadets trained in all kinds of weather — from scorching summer heat to sudden downpours — learning to maintain focus and composure no matter the conditions.
“You’re being challenged a lot of different ways at the same time – mentally, physically, academically,” said Cadet Penelope Onsrud. “We learned how to keep moving when things get scary and how to calm yourself down.”
Training scenarios included navigating cramped, dark spaces simulating smoky, oxygen-deprived environments, forcing cadets to operate with limited vision and rely heavily on their instincts and teamwork. The grueling schedule demanded early mornings and late nights filled with constant studying, hands-on drills, and physical fitness routines. Maintaining peak physical condition was paramount, as firefighters must be ready to respond quickly to potentially physically taxing emergencies at a moment’s notice.
Cadet Cobb pointed out one of the most important lessons of the training. “Teamwork is one of the biggest things – being there on the job, you have to work through things together.”
Community and dedication to service at the core
The ceremony honored the hard work and sacrifices of the cadets as they begin this demanding journey.
Deputy Chief of Training Colm Black commended their effort, saying “They are the future of the Minneapolis Fire Department, and I look forward to working with each and every one of them.
As these 18 firefighters step into their new roles, Minneapolis can be confident they are in the hands of a skilled and passionate team — ready to respond with courage and care to whatever challenges lie ahead.
Watch the 2:25 video of the Minneapolis Fire Academy training