The Oxford Fire Department High School Fire Science Program Graduation Ceremony was held on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at the Oxford Civic Center.

The program, founded in 2016, allows students to pursue their Firefighter 1 certification while attending high school, giving them a step up into the firefighting profession.

The Class of 2026 were Blessin Bell, class president; Adrian Christian; Autumn Furtick, valedictorian; Hector Guillen; Joshua Hammock, class chaplain and most improved award recipient; Kaylee Jairrels; Hugh McComb; and Pheby Milam.

OFD Lt. Jordan Haynes serves as the program director with Firefighter Cole Macoy, lead instructor, and Firefighter Trey Forbus, assistant instructor.

“It wasn’t easy,” Bell said. “There were long days, and there were exhausting days that pushed us mentally and physically. That’s what made it worth it. We stopped getting through it and started growing through it. We became more than a class. We became a team.”

Fire Chief Ben Stewart congratulated the graduates and told them to stay motivated in whatever they choose to do in life.

“Tonight, you’re getting closer to going out into the world and pursuing a career – whether it’s firefighting or going to college,” Stewart said. “Something has gotten you here today to be successful. It may have been internal or external. Something has motivated you to make it to this point. Hold on to what motivates you and always be positive. Don’t be part of the problem, be part of the solution.”

Forbus expressed appreciation to the Oxford City School system, to the graduates’ families for their support, and to all members of the Oxford Fire Department for their assistance in providing the students’ training throughout the course.

“This class provides these students with Firefighter 1 certification, which is a basic class teaching them how to fight fires, some vehicle extrication, and even a little bit of hazardous material handling,” Forbus explained. “They have done tons of work and put in a ton of effort to master these skills. All eight of these students entered in from different backgrounds and all walks of life. They worked together and grew stronger after every task as they completed a common goal.”

The graduates and their families were treated to a reception after the ceremony, provided by NAFECO.