PSA 5/23/2025: Las Vegas Fire Department Holds Badge Pinning Ceremony for Three New Firefighters
- asalas843
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Las Vegas, NM – On Thursday evening, the Las Vegas Fire Department officially welcomed three new certified firefighters during a Badge Pinning Ceremony held at Las Vegas City Hall. Firefighters Michael Barboa, Justin Woodlee, and Matthew Freeman were officially recognized after successfully completing the Fire Academy and earning the title of firefighter. The ceremony was attended by numerous current firefighters, family members, and community leaders, all gathered to support and celebrate the newest members of the department.
Fire Chief Steven Spann opened the evening with a powerful address, sharing the historical significance of the firefighter’s role and offering guidance to the graduates and their families. He emphasized the commitment and responsibility the badge represents. “Graduates, the badge you are about to wear tonight is not just a piece of metal. It represents profound civic responsibility, unwavering courage, and selfless service. Wear it with pride, honor it with your actions, and carry its meaning in your hearts,” said Chief Spann. He also took a moment to recognize the veteran firefighters in attendance, thanking them for mentoring the graduates and guiding them through their training.
The new firefighters were sworn in by Municipal Judge Eddie Trujillo, who expressed heartfelt gratitude for being part of the event. “This is an honor. I’ve served as municipal court judge for 32 years, and this is the first time I’ve had the privilege to perform a firefighter swearing-in,” said Judge Trujillo. He shared a personal message about the importance of community safety. “My father just turned 96, I have two children, five grandchildren, and over 150 nieces and nephews. I am one of 11 siblings. Why do I say this? Because it is comforting and meaningful to know these men will be watching over my family and this city.”
Mayor David Romero and Councilwoman Barbara Perea-Casey also attended the ceremony. Mayor Romero congratulated the graduates and stated this was the first pinning ceremony he had attended during his seven years serving the City of Las Vegas as City Councilor and most recently as Mayor. “To the families, thank you for supporting these individuals because we know they go through a lot—entering these homes, facing dangerous situations—and now our community is faced with additional flooding that these gentlemen have to deal with, and it’s going to be routine, that we have to be prepared for. I am very proud of you guys. Thank you to those who have been serving us. We have one heck of a fire department, and I am glad you chose to pick Las Vegas, NM, to be the place that you serve.”
The ceremony culminated in a deeply emotional moment as each graduate was proudly pinned by a loved one—a powerful tradition that reflects the unwavering support and sacrifices families make for those who serve. They were officially welcomed as firefighters by Fire Chief Spann and Deputy Chief Randal Haugen. Tears of joy and pride filled the room as the community came together to celebrate these brave men beginning their journey to protect and serve. The Las Vegas Fire Department will continue to hold badge pinning ceremonies regularly to honor the courage, dedication, and hard work of its new firefighters.
The City of Las Vegas extends its heartfelt gratitude to these new firefighters for choosing to serve our community. We are proud to welcome them into our family and grateful for their commitment to keeping our city safe. Their addition strengthens our fire department and makes our city safer for all.
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