The Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services welcomed 11 new firefighter-EMTs in the St. Thomas/St. John District during a formal ceremony held Monday at the University of the Virgin Islands – Orville E. Kean Campus.
The Class 2025-01 R.E.D. L.I.O.N.S. — “Ready Every Day, Living Individuals Offering Needed Service” — represents the second graduating class since the 2022 merger of Fire and Emergency Medical Services under the unified VIFEMS structure, according to a press release announcing the new firefighters. This class also marks the first cohort to complete the Emergency Medical Services portion of training entirely in-house, instructed by certified VIFEMS personnel. “This achievement reflects a significant step in strengthening the department’s internal training capacity,” it said.
The class began training in July 2025, entering an intensive program designed to prepare each recruit for the realities of emergency response in the territory. Throughout the course, recruits received comprehensive instruction in structural firefighting, emergency medical response, hazardous materials operations, and coordinated response tactics.
The curriculum emphasized technical proficiency, discipline, teamwork, and service, ensuring that each graduate is equipped to meet the demands of emergency response across the Virgin Islands, the release said.
The newly sworn Firefighter-EMTs — Kamalee Francis Sr., Sean Georges, Jovanny Harrigan, Shaquil James, Jolly Joseph, Kellijah Lettsome, Andre Peters, Vinclan Philbert, Benjamin Tshenda-Berry, Sadiki Tyson, and Joel Williams — took the oath of office administered by V.I. Superior Court Judge Pedro K. Williams before government officials, VIFEMS leadership, family members, and supporters. Each graduate was formally pinned, symbolizing their transition from recruit to public servant.
Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. extended congratulations to Class 2025-01 R.E.D. L.I.O.N.S. and emphasized the importance of service and unity within the community.
“That name says what you signed up to do. Your class motto says how you plan to do it: ‘A Dozen as One, Second to None.’ That is unity. That is discipline. That is service done the right way. On behalf of the people of the Virgin Islands, thank you for stepping up,” the Governor said.
Lt. Gov. Tregenza A. Roach expressed gratitude for the graduates’ willingness to accept the responsibility of public service.
“I am grateful, and the community is grateful, that you have chosen to step into this profession,” Roach said. “It is a profession that sometimes places your life at risk. Not many people are willing to make that choice. For that, I thank you. God bless.”
VIFEMS Director Antonio O. Stevens reflected on the continued evolution of the department following the merger.
“People may think that all we do is respond to fires, but since the merger, you may call for EMS and see a fire truck respond,” Stevens said. “The difference now is that the personnel on that truck are trained to provide emergency medical care as well. I could not be prouder.”
