On Thursday, the City of Chattanooga welcomed 32 new cadets to the fire department. According to the Chattanooga Fire, the cadets completed a six-month-long academy that featured Emergency Medical Technician training, fire suppression, and search and rescue techniques.

"I want the community to know that we are ready to take care of them," said Ali Springs, a new firefighter with the Chattanooga Fire Department.

The class was also the first to try out their skills on the department's new training tower, which can be used to simulate real conditions and live burns. Some of the class will start their first shifts on Friday.

"This career is a lifetime commitment," said James Beraeda, a new firefighter with the City of Chattanooga.

This class graduates at a time when city leader

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