The Ohio Department of Commerce has announced that the Division of State Fire Marshal’s Ohio Fire Academy has recognized its first graduating firefighter class of 2025. The announcement was made in a news release on April 25, 2025.
According to the department, thirty-six individuals from communities across Ohio and Indiana graduated as part of Firefighter Class 240 during a ceremony held at the State Fire Marshal’s campus in Reynoldsburg. These students successfully completed a 10-week, 468-hour firefighter training program, which is the only one in Ohio where participants can earn eight additional certifications along with Firefighter I and II state certifications. The program includes instruction in foundational firefighting duties as well as essential job functions such as professionalism, leadership, teamwork, honor, firefighter safety, emergency vehicle operation, and apparatus pumping. The graduates are now fully certified and prepared to begin their careers in the fire service.
State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon said: "We commend these graduates for their hard work, perseverance, and dedication to completing this challenging and intensive training." Reardon added that "the knowledge and skills they’ve gained at the Ohio Fire Academy will empower them to serve their communities and make a lasting difference in countless lives."
After graduating, firefighter Matthew Limburg will return to the Coshocton Fire Department to serve his community. He encourages others to consider joining the fire service. Brianna McCoy from Grove City also graduated with Firefighter Class 240. After completing the Ohio Fire Academy’s EMT class last year, she is now focused on joining a department and is confident that her training will help her succeed in serving others.
The Ohio Division of State Fire Marshal is based in Reynoldsburg and is part of the Ohio Department of Commerce. It is noted as the nation’s oldest office of its kind and works to reduce fire-related risks through education, investigation, and enforcement. It operates eight bureaus including code enforcement, fire prevention, and the Ohio Fire Academy. The division supports first responders across the state with training in incident management, hazardous materials handling, and safety equipment usage. It also oversees fire code enforcement, fire origin investigations, criminal evidence analysis, public safety education initiatives, underground storage tank regulation, as well as certification and licensing for fire service professionals.
