Powhatan Fire-Rescue Announces Graduation of First Full-Time Firefighter/EMT Academy Class
Powhatan Fire-Rescue is proud to announce the graduation of five new Firefighter/EMT members, Aaron Blankenship, Jayden Doss, Conley Hudson, Jackson Kieran and William Pruitt. This group represents a major milestone for our department and our community: they are the first full-time firefighters to complete a full Firefighter and EMT Academy through Powhatan County.
This academy was conducted as a joint venture with Goochland Fire-Rescue and hosted in Goochland County. Over the course of 26 weeks, 17 total recruits from Goochland and Powhatan completed more than 1,100 hours of rigorous, para-military style training designed to prepare them for the physical, mental, and emotional demands of fire and emergency medical services.
Their training included:
- Daily physical training (PT) to build strength, endurance, and resilience
- Classroom instruction with weekly testing to ensure mastery of core concepts and skills
- Practical field sessions, including:
- Use of hydraulic rescue tools (“Jaws of Life”) for vehicle extrication and rescue operations
- Live fire training in a burn building, where recruits operated in realistic fire conditions approaching 1,000 degrees to simulate real-life interior firefighting scenarios
Through their hard work and dedication, the recruits earned multiple state and national-level certifications, including:
- Firefighter I & II
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- Hazardous Materials Operations
- Emergency Vehicle Operations
- Firefighter Rescue
The collaboration between Powhatan and Goochland allowed both departments to share resources, and instructors, creating a stronger and more efficient training program. This partnership is an excellent example of regional cooperation, and we look forward to future opportunities to work together in support of public safety.
These five recruits were selected through a highly competitive hiring process that drew numerous applicants. Their successful completion of this rigorous academy highlights their dedication, professionalism, and commitment to serving the citizens of Powhatan County.
With their graduation, these new Firefighter/EMTs will be assigned to operational shifts, where they will respond to fire, medical, and rescue emergencies throughout the county. Their addition to our ranks will enhance our ability to provide timely, effective services and strengthen our overall emergency response capabilities.
Powhatan Board of Supervisors, Administration and Fire-Rescue Department congratulates our newest graduates and extends sincere thanks to Goochland Fire-Rescue, Goochland County leadership, our instructors, and support staff for making this academy a success. We are proud of what has been accomplished and excited to see these new Firefighter/EMTs begin their careers serving our community.
Pictured left to right: William Pruitt, Jackson Kieran, Aaron Blankenship, Jayden Doss, Conley Hudson Pictured left to right: Deputy County Administrator Brian Haney, Deputy County Administrator Sarah Barnett, County Administrator Will Hagy, William Pruitt, Jackson Kieran, Aaron Blankenship, Jayden Doss, Conley Hudson, Deputy Fire Chief Taylor Goodman, Fire & Rescue Chief David Johnston, Board of Supervisor Chairman Bill Donati, Jr.
