South Whidbey Fire/EMS welcomed three new members to its volunteer team.

The additions were officially made at a graduation event on Nov. 18 that celebrated those who recently completed fire academy.

The 2017 academy graduates serving South Whidbey Fire/EMS and their assigned stations are Clinton resident Carl Hillegas, Langley resident Al Charat and Freeland resident John LeDrew.

New district team members each completed six months of work, which involved more than 150 hours of studying, training and testing. The work isn’t finished, though. District volunteers will continue to participate in weekly drills and training sessions to keep up their skills.

“We celebrate your successful completion of a long journey through the fire academy,” Chief Rusty Palmer said at the ceremony. “We are proud of each of you for persevering through your individual challenges to complete such an achievement.”

Fire academy is jointly held with Central Whidbey Fire and Rescue, which graduated three new volunteers to its team.

South Whidbey Fire/EMS is currently looking for new candidates for the 2018 fire academy. Visit www.swfe.org for more information.