Maple Valley Fire and Life Safety celebrated the graduation of seven new volunteer firefighters from the Buckley Volunteer Recruit Academy on June 1.

The recruits have been attending classes since January and will begin staffing stations July 1.

The new recruits will help increase staffing for outlying areas such as Hobart, Ravensdale, and Maple Valley Heights.

The graduates include Russell Calcote, Charles Cooper, Michael Enebrad, Jordan Jewett, Brian Keaveny, Jason Sharp, and Matt Sky. All were certified Emergency Medical Technicians prior to starting the academy and will provide medical and fire services.