(Valparaiso, IN) - Six new firefighters have joined the first responder ranks in La Porte County and surrounding areas.

On Friday night, 17 trainees graduated from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security District 1 Fire Academy. The ceremony took place at the 28-acre regional training center in Valparaiso where the recruits underwent their rigorous 11-week preparation.

Brian Bentley, Richard Nagy, and Kobe Roberson will join the Michigan City Fire Department.

Britney Horvath (pictured) and Jacob Wood will join New Carlisle’s Fire Department.

Noah Sanchez will be stationed down in North Judson.