The rigors of San José Fire Academy are over and the challenges of a year’s probation are about to begin. But for a brief moment in time, the focus is on celebration and ceremony, honoring the accomplishments of Mike and his fellow recruits. Out of a pool of over 5,000 applicants, 26 recruits were chosen via a multi-tiered process of interviews, physical and written exams and exhaustive background checks. Friday night 22 of them became bonafide San José Fire Fighters.
The graduation ceremony began with the haunting strains of bag pipes, played by — you guessed it — Michael. That set the tone for the pomp and ceremony of the rest of the occasion during which, over and over, it was impressed upon us how grueling life had been for the recruits (and their families) for the last 18 weeks, as well as how critical it was to thoroughly prepare them for the risky and at-times herculean services they will now provide to the citizens of San José.
Although Mike’s accomplishments have nothing to do with us, we were none-the-less extremely proud to attend the ceremony and to claim him as family. Congratulations Michael! We applaud your bravery, committment and dedication. We are so impressed.
CONGRATULATIONS many times over!!!! It sounds like a grueling experience but one that is very very worth while and rewarding. Take some time to celebrate because you and your family deserve it.
And in the ever so famous words of the Captain from Hill Street Blues, “You be careful out there.”
Like everyone else we are very proud of you, Mike! I know it has been very difficult but we
never doubted you would excel and you did! We
definitely are glad you are part of our family
We just wish we could see you more often. I miss hearing those bagpipes also. Hopefully
you have a few days break because it sounds like you still have lots of work ahead. Your
parents have to be bursting at the seams with
pride! I could hear in Laura’s voice how proud
she is. Love you lots
Hey, no fair changing pictures after someone has posted! Good think I have my default page set to gigglefern or I might miss something. tee hee.
Hey Mike! Congratulations on your graduation!
You should be proud. Wish you all the best in the future. Hope we can see you before you sometime. Jim and Beanie.
Jim needs to learn to proofread. Last sentence is a combination of “hope to see you before you retire” and “hope to see you sometime” Getting old sucks!
Thank you everyone. It was a tough 18 weeks, I lost about 12 pounds! I couldn’t have done it with out all the support I received, especially from Westi. She put up with me, pulled up my slack, and was always there for me. She deserves the badge as much as I do.
Big kudos to Westi too! I so understand what Michael is saying because Shaun deserves my degree and teaching certification when school is out b/c he has pulled up my slack (dishes, cleaning, etc..) and put up with my late homework, etc… So again congrats to Michael but a BIG pat on the back to Westi too!
Thanks (blushing) =)
That photo of you two in front of fire truck is
just wonderful. Laura said she would send me
one! That is best Christmas present ever! Be
sure to take some Christmas photos to send also. We will talk to you over Christmas.
love you all
This one finally gets me to post a note! WOW, YEAH, BRAVO and CONGRATS Michael with love from Mom and Dad. And the same to Westi!! What a wonderful evening it was to see you so happy, confident and proud. Yes – you can certainly tell I’m still bursting with pride for your accomplishment. You start the next phase today and I hope you got a little sleep last night and that things go well today. Thanks Laura — I printed out a copy of the picture of Mike and Westi out front. It’s a great picture.
Yeah… I thought this one might get you to come out in the open, Deborah! I love it that you “lurk” … I love it even more when you “comment”. You DO definitely get to share in Mike’s glory! You raised a great son and you continue to be one of the most supportive moms I’ve ever known. So on tops of the congratulations to Mike and Westi, I say congratulations to you and David too.