The Alabama Fire College Firefighter Bridge Program saluted its five newest graduates, Class 26-01, during ceremonies on Friday, July 10, 2026, at the Oxford Civic Center.

The program is an entry-level bridge course for certified volunteer firefighters who seek Firefighter certification. This six-week course consists of a combination of classroom study, drill field practice, and training evolutions that prepare the firefighters to perform most fire ground functions under the supervision of an officer or experienced fire fighter.

Collecting their certifications and badges were Class President Luis Alvarez, Monroeville FD; Class Chaplain Dwayne Haynes Jr., Green Pond Fire Department; Hector Guillen, Oxford FD; Jayden Lewis, Oxford FD; and Hugh McComb, Oxford FD.

Guillen, Lewis, and McComb are all recent 2026 graduates of the Oxford High School Fire Science Program which was founded in 2016 by Fire Chief Emeritus Gary Sparks under the auspices of the Alabama Fire College. That program allows students to pursue their volunteer firefighter certification while attending high school, giving them a step up into the firefighting profession as well as paying tuition costs should they choose to advance through the Bridge Program.

The Oxford Fire Department serves as a branch of the Alabama Fire College for this program with classes and drills held at the OFD training center with lead instructor OFD Lt. Jordan Haynes, OFD Lt. Cole Macoy, and OFD Firefighter Hoah Huff.

Graduation ceremonies began with a welcome and congratulations from Oxford Fire Chief Ben Stewart and an address from class president Lavarez.

“We have learned no matter how well we thought we did, there is always one phrase we can count on hearing: ‘Do Better,’” Lavarez said. “It became the unofficial motto of this class. Looking back, I realize those two words weren’t meant to tear us down or to make us perfect. It was meant to remind us there is always room to improve and to never settle for the bare minimum. In this profession, ‘good enough’ isn’t the goal. Someone during their worst day may depend upon us being better than we were yesterday.”

Jacksonville Fire Department fire marshal Capt. Rodney Ball served as the guest speaker for the occasion, emphasizing firefighters should always put in maximum effort, have accountability, and continually master the tools and techniques of the fire service.

Guilen received the Leadership Award and McComb as valedictorian with the highest GPA score of the class.

Those Oxford High School students interested in fire service and participating in the OHS Fire Science program should speak with their school advisor or contact the Oxford Fire Department.