Through the turmoil at the Utica Fire Department with three different fire chiefs in the past year, their focus on the Utica Fire Academy has not changed. On Wednesday, 15 men and women graduated from the 14 week program.

Monday’s class represents graduating class number 34. For many families it ended in a sweet pre-thanksgiving way, with over 12 different municipalities represented across the state.  

"It was definitely great, it was definitely worth it, it feels great to be done after a long fourteen weeks,” said Bryan Barry, from Beacon fire department.

Barry traveled over 200 miles from Beacon New York, to achieve a goal he embarked on as a teenager.

"Every since I was little I was always around the firehouse,” said Barry. “And just signed up at 16 and found my calling."

On stage with Bryan were 15 other graduates and his fire chief Gary VanVorst, who is not only proud of his firefighter but is content with what he has learned in the academy.

"They are fresh out of class, fresh full of knowledge now they have to turn that into experience,” said Chief VanVorst.

Previsional Utica Fire Chief Scott Ingersoll and his team of teachers taught the 14 week class, which consisted of physical fitness training in the morning five days a week, and then classroom learning and hands on learning.

Chief Ingersoll left the graduates with this message.

"Make the job your priority in your life, don't make it your whole priority,” said Ingersoll. “I don't think you can go wrong with that."