64 firefighters graduate from the Illinois Fire Service Institute

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — 64 new firefighters graduate from the Illinois Fire Service Institute Friday with a commencement ceremony

The new firefighters took part in several weeks of training. The Director of the Fire Institute, Jim Keiken said, being a firefighter though is much more than battling fires.

"It is to make sure that we leave the fire service better place than when we came in.... it's about serving others and helping others to succeed, it's about making sure that not only we are prepared, and ready for the job -- but the firefighter next to us is prepared for their job, " said Keiken.

Several of the firefighters who took part in the ceremony are from central Illinois, including many from Danville, Decatur, and Urbana.