During the graduation ceremony at the Charlie’s Cabaret of the Pacific Islands Club, DPS Commissioner Santiago F. Tudela told the 19 new firefighters that their graduation signifies their determination to serve the public in times of need.
“Your training in the academy has given you the necessary traits and skills to use when needed but be reminded that what you have learned requires you to go back and practice so you can develop confidence and proficiency,” Tudela told the new firefighters.
He added that the badges the new graduates received signifies the faith entrusted to them as public servants.
Lt. Gov. Timothy P. Villagomez told the new firefighters that their real work begins with their graduation.
“We as your families and executive branch will provide you with the tools and support you need for your work. In return, we ask for your continued commitment and protection of our families and property, as you join the team of commonwealth firefighters,” Villagomez said.
Officer-in-charge Kevin L. Aldan of the Fire Academy said “the 9th Cycle Fire Academy graduates can do so much to augment the fire division forces. We need them.”
He noted that this batch has one female graduate.
“We rarely have female graduates in the Fire Academy. I am challenging the women to enroll and serve in the community because we need you,” Aldan said.
Christine S. Funkugub, the only female and the fourth female to graduate from the Fire Academy since its establishment, said it was quite a challenge to be working with men in the training sessions.
“At first I felt threatened but I got no special treatment just because I am female. I realized that what men can do, women can do, too,” Funkugub told the Variety.
Besides Funkugub, Saipan’s newest firefighters are Albert Lee T. Aldan, Jesse D. Arriola Jr., John C. Babauta, Rodney C. Cabrera, Joaquin T. Camacho, Robert P. Camacho, Francisco A. Cruz, Gary S. Cruz, Robert C. Cruz, Lorenzo V. Deleon Guerrero, Alejandro M. King, Ralphael L. Magofna, Richard D. Manalo Jr., Benjamin T. Manglona, Linus L. Mizutani Jr., Jerome Q. Repeki, Elden M. Sablan and Vincent F. Sablan.
Graduating with honors were Joaquin T. Camacho as valedictorian and Albert Lee T. Aldan as salutatorian.
Robert P. Camacho and Jerome Q. Repeki were named the Most Physically Fit Firefighers, while Robert P. Camacho got the Top Firefighter Award.
The Gallantry Award went to Linus L. Mizutani Jr.
