NORWICH – Fifteen graduates of the state Fire Fighter One course were honored Wednesday during a ceremony at the county’s Public Safety Building.

The graduates, representing 10 local volunteer departments, completed 86 hours of basic skills training that included structure fire and hazardous material containment. The course was administered by the Chenango County Fire Bureau.

“All these students are becoming involved in a brotherhood unique to our service,” said class Instructor Duane Pierce, a member of the Greene Fire Department. “There’s a bond... A bond that’s nonexistent in other professions.”

“It’s a bond that does not end at the borders of Chenango County,” added Deputy Fire Coordinator Douglas Shattuck.

Robert Vitek, a graduate and member of Borden Hose Company in Mt. Upton, earned the class’ Professionalism Award. The 2008 Academic Achievement award winner is William Yearton, of New Berlin.