The Minneapolis Fire Department (MFD) welcomed its next class of cadets when they graduated from the Fire Academy during a ceremony at the Capri Theater. They completed an intense, three-month training program in which they learned cutting-edge skills that equip Minneapolis firefighters to save lives and protect property during the toughest emergencies.
“This graduating class brings new experiences, new perspectives, and a deep commitment to serving others,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “They are the future of the Minneapolis Fire Department, and we’re proud to welcome them and excited to see the difference they will make for our department and our city.”
The 17 cadets graduating - 12 men and five women – represent a growing diversity for the department. They have a wide range of experiences and backgrounds. Firefighting is a family tradition for four of them, including three who are relatives to people already serving MFD.
They have all had a variety of past careers – from financial and healthcare professionals and paramedics to former 911 dispatchers. They all agree that both a higher calling and a desire to serve their community led them to take on this momentous and rewarding challenge.
“I want to congratulate our newest firefighters and thank them for their service to our City and for their sacrifice,” said Community Safety Commissioner Todd Barnette. “Just as importantly, thank you to the families who make their service possible. I know these men and women are joining the department due in no small part to their families and friends who have chosen to share their loved ones with Minneapolis.”
Led by newly inaugurated Minneapolis Fire Chief Reginald Freeman, the members of the Minneapolis Fire Department are thoroughly trained and ready to serve by rapidly responding – with skill, courage, and compassion – to emergencies and hazardous conditions, while also working proactively across the community to reduce risks before disasters happen.
“When you become a firefighter, the badge that you wear on your chest and the patch you wear on your shoulder mean something,” said Chief Freeman. “It symbolizes honor, integrity, and service – and we serve to save. There’s nothing more honorable than that. I welcome our 17 new sisters and brothers and look forward to sharing that responsibility of service with them.”
The new firefighters will immediately begin their assignments in one of the department’s 19 fire stations across the City.
Additional background on each cadet:
* Notes the graduate is a family member of a current or retired Minneapolis firefighter
** Notes the graduate is a family member of a current or retired firefighter of another fire agency
- Lyd Aultman – With a brother-in-law already on the department, as well as a sister-in-law who serves as a wildland firefighter, Aultman joined the department in order to bring compassion and kindness to people when they need it most.
- Kevin Boodoo – A former bartender, Kevin is proud to serve his community in a different way as part of a diverse and welcoming department.
- Connie Brownotter – Originally a bison rancher from South Dakota, Brownotter is looking forward to being part of a great team that helps people on their worst day.
- **Dane Demuth – Dane wants to make a difference as a firefighter, growing his skill set as a former emergency medical technician. He wants to give back to those who’ve provided support on this journey, including his father and uncle, who are firefighters in nearby departments.
- Kate Englestad – a former 911 dispatcher, Kate decided that she wanted to contribute to community safety in a different way, moving from one side of the headset to the other.
- *Graham Evavold - As a former housing case manager who helped people find homes, Graham joined the department to continue his passion for helping people when they need it the most. He now joins his father in the department to help protect those homes.
- *Nick Flaskamp – Nick grew up surrounded by Minneapolis firefighters and wanted to follow in the footsteps of the “… many selfless individuals who were so dedicated to the community.” He is grateful for the opportunity to serve his home city and to wear the uniform his mother wore for 33 years before her recent retirement.
- Kateri Hanson – The Wisconsin native left behind a landscaping career in order to help people in their time of need and experience the high-stakes, complex operational environment of being a firefighter.
- Gawolo Kpissay – A native of Liberia, Gawalo wants to be actively engaged in serving his new community.
- Andrew Moccio – As a former arborist, Andrew is joining the fire department to give back to his community.
- John Muyskens – Musykens gave up a career as a public safety officer to follow his lifelong dream of becoming a firefighter in the community he loves.
- Ayanna Rakhu, Ph.D. – Already having earned a doctorate in Kinesiology, Rakhu wants to expand her commitment to service and give back to the community that helped raise her.
- Arturo Ranallo – Ranallo left the restaurant business to join the business of public safety, looking to serve his hometown and community.
- Even Redepenning – Evan became a firefighter to serve his home city and community.
- *Charles “Chuck” Smith – Smith is trading the classroom for the firehouse as a personal challenge. The former teacher looks forward to joining other family members on the department and serving his home community.
- Kolton Thedens – A former painter, Kolton joined the department to push himself physically and mentally. Serving his community and giving back means everything to him.
- Chris Wright – Formerly in sales, Chris wants the opportunity to serve the people of Minneapolis.