It was an evening filled with words of empowerment and pride as families, friends, and fellow first responders gathered Wednesday to recognize several members of the Boerne Fire Department.
As part of the 2025 Firefighter Pinning Ceremony, the members of the 2025 Cadet Class, newly promoted driver operators, received their badges, marking the beginning of their official service in their roles.
“The piece of metal that we ceremoniously attach to our uniforms each day is not a sign of graduation; it is a symbol of commitment,” Chief Manny Casarez said.
The cadet class included firefighters Sam Selman, Luke Hernandez, Chad Leeper, Dustin Ledlow, Brian Jonas, Andrew Creech, and Aaron Baker.
During his remarks, Assistant Chief Walter Ball reflected on the true meaning of the badge.
“No matter what shape, size, design, or rank, the badge remains a part of the uniform to remind us of our obligation, not as a symbol of authority to act,” he said.
The evening also included the badge pinning for the members of the 2025 Driver Operator Class: Cal Wallace, Eli Feller, and Ryan Lynch.
The ceremony concluded with a Life Saving Award Commendation for Captain Adam Zenner, who led efforts to resuscitate a boy who nearly drowned.
On the evening of June 30, 2024, the Boerne Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a pediatric drowning at a neighborhood pool. Boerne Police and Kendall County EMS also responded. Fire units arrived within minutes, quickly assuming patient care and continuing resuscitation efforts.
After several minutes of coordinated, life-saving work, responders observed the return of spontaneous breathing. Upon arrival at the emergency department, the child’s condition continued to improve.
The ceremony served as a reminder of the commitment and teamwork that defines Boerne’s first responders and reflected the department’s ongoing commitment to excellence, professionalism, and public service.
