To watch them grow and succeed — its the greatest pleasure: Stratmoor Hills welcomes new class of firefighters [Video]

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV)—The 12 Stratmoor Hills Fire District Fire Academy graduates put the department on track to be fully staffed in January.

“It tells us that we’re doing something right. The old saying, ‘If you build it, they will come.’ We have a great family, a good culture. We love our community, and our community loves us,” Fire Chief Shawn Bittle said.

The newly sworn-in firefighters say the oath they took is more than just words: it’s a way of life.

Class valedictorian Brandon Walker tells me his passion for helping others started when he was caring for his sick grandfather. First, Walker worked as a certified nursing assistant, then as an EMT, and finally, as a firefighter.

“I wanted to continue to build those bonds and make a difference in my community,” Walker said. “I contacted Chief Biddle, and from there we had a conversation, and you know …