FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): The city of Fort Wayne is gaining new firefighters.

In a ceremony Monday, Mayor Tom Henry and fire department leaders welcomed 17 new recruits.

The recruits are the department’s 88th recruit class, which includes two women and 15 men.

The recruits will now take part in a 16-week process to become city firefighters. The graduation ceremony is scheduled for May 13.

“Nothing is more important than the safety of our residents,” said Mayor Henry, according to the city of Fort Wayne. “We work each day to ensure our community is as safe as possible. We have an outstanding fire department committed to being the best. We’re fortunate to be in position to add new firefighters as we continue to move our City in the right direction.”

The 89th recruit class, which has 25 members, will begin this summer. The two classes combined will add 42 new firefighters this year.