MEDIA CONTACT: Matthew Flagler, matthew.flagler@cincinnati-oh.gov or 513-739-5509

 

WHAT: Over the next 21 weeks, the Cincinnati Fire Department will take 55 citizens from all backgrounds and transform them to meet the high standards required to be a Cincinnati Firefighter. The recruits of the department’s 121st Drill School class began this adventure this week, and on Friday they face their first big challenge: The Aerial Ladder. On Friday morning, each recruit will be required to climb the ladder, ten stories up. Climb the stick and you move on; don’t climb and you do not. Watch the recruits face this task and meet the next generation of CFD firefighters along with the Firefighters tasked with leading their training. “The ladder climb is both a mental and a physical test, one which shows a fire recruit the kind of strengths they will need to develop in order to serve our city.” Says Capt. Mark Flagler, commander of the department’s recruit training operation. “Helping them succeed in this task is an important part of their path toward success as a firefighter.”
 

WHEN: Friday, June 16, 2023

TIME: 0800-1100 hours

WHERE: Cincinnati Fire Training Tower, 564 W. Liberty St., West End

WHO: Assistant Chief Sherman Smith, Human Resources, District Chief Hugh Hains, Fire Training, Captain Mark Flagler, Fire Recruit Training
55 Fire Recruits and the CFD Training Staff members

PHOTO OPP: Photo/video opportunities of recruits climbing the aerial and engage in other training activities. Multiple viewpoints are available. Some Fire 
Recruits will be available for on-camera interviews.