Ten recruits sign the oath to begin their careers.
Emotions were high at City Hall as loved ones and mentors gathered for the Plant City Fire Rescue Commencement of recruit Class 2026-1. Tears of pride filled the room as the ceremony marked the recruits’ official commitment to serving and protecting the community.
This commencement marks a milestone for the city. It was the biggest complete orientation in the department’s history
“Today is about more than new badges or titles. It’s about dedication, growth, and continued commitment to serve our community with pride, integrity, and professionalism,” said Asst. Chief Andrew Muzzy.
Following a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, the recruits heard remarks from City Manager Bill McDaniel and Fire Chief David Dittman.
McDaniel said the ceremony is more than a formality. He said the badge represents trust, expectation, courage and compassion.
“From this moment forward, you are no longer recruits. You are a firefighter entrusted with the safety and well-being of our residents,” McDaniel said. “That is a responsibility this city does not take lightly, and neither should you.”
He left the graduates three reminders as they continue their careers. The first is to never forget who they serve. The second is to commit to continuous improvement. The third commitment is to take care of one another.
Dittman reflected on the demanding journey the recruits endured to reach graduation.
“You’ve been challenged physically, mentally, and emotionally. You learned the foundations of what it means to be a firefighter in Plant City. More importantly, you’ve begun to understand our culture and our core values,” Dittman said.
The 2026-1 Recruit Class includes:
Christopher Estrella and Kevyn Hancock, assigned to C shift at Station 3
Benjamin Hasselbach and Jesse Kieffer, assigned to B shift at Station 3
Wesley Octaviani, assigned to C shift at Station 1
Adrian Vo, assigned to A shift at Station 1
Michael Owens, assigned to C shift at Station 2
Kalyb Vazquez, assigned to A shift at Station 2
Logan Singletary, assigned to A shift at Station 3
Lance Young, assigned to B shift at Station 3
The ceremony honored not only the new firefighters but also the families who supported them through the training process.
“For the families that are here today, thank you. Orientation takes a toll not just on the recruits, but on the people at home who support them through these long days, sore muscles, and mental exhaustion,” said Training Chief Dustin Hill. “Your support matters more than you know.”
Several family members took part in the ceremonial pinning. Kelsey Hasselbach pinned her husband’s badge with their young son.
She said the department has been very flexible and is grateful for their support during orientation.
“The staff here has been really supportive and understanding with the fact that I work too, and we have our son. It’s been great. I am very proud of him,” she said.
Anna Smearman is Vazquez’s girlfriend, and she said the moment was long-awaited.
“He’s been talking about this for a month, so it’s really nice to finally have it all come together, and to be able to pin him was a lot of fun,” she said.
Vazquez and his fellow graduates will complete two additional weeks of driver training, a requirement that will support future promotional opportunities.
“I’m feeling great. Super excited to start,” Vazquez said.
The ceremony concluded with the ten recruits signing their oath and posing for photos with their new crew in front of a fire engine– officially beginning their careers as Plant City firefighters.
