Ceres Fire Department explorer Blake Hurst, a 2013 Ceres High graduate, was one of 18 graduates in the recent 48th graduating class of the Modesto Junior College Fire Academy.

Currently an EMT, Hurst is seeking his dream of becoming a professional firefighter.

The April 23 ceremony began with a welcome from the Regional Fire Training Center Director Ron Cripe, who is a former Ceres firefighter. The guest speaker was Modesto Fire Department Captain Mark Crook who taught the first-ever organized fire academy in 1989 for what was then the Ceres Department of Public Safety.

At Blake's request, Ceres Fire Chief Bryan G. Nicholes performed his badge pinning.

The ceremony concluded with a protective clothing timed demonstration by Blake and another graduate and then a class demonstration of skills learned.