There are now over 60 new firefighters and police officers on duty following a pair of graduation events last week. The Wilmington Fire Department graduated the largest class in its history on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at the Chase Center, adding three dozen firefighters to the ranks. The 44th Recruit Academy brings the fire department up to its authorized strength of 186, which was needed following the decision by the city to have the fire department again handle ambulance calls. Among the new firefighters is Nisa Pulliam, the daughter of current firefighter Pete Pulliam, making them the first active father/daughter pairing in the fire department’s history.
Recruit class awards went to the following firefighters:
Academic Award: Probationary Firefighter Richard Prindle
Physical Fitness Award: Probationary Firefighter Jamarion Wilks
Perseverance Award: Probationary Firefighter Nisa Pulliam
Fire Chief’s Award: Probationary Firefighter Shaelyn Kaiser
