By Taylor J. Hale

Staff Writer

STEVENS POINT – A procession of Stevens Point ambulances, crew vehicles, and fire trucks cruised by Washington Elementary School down Wilshire Boulevard in honor of 2020 SPASH graduate Marcus Cadwell on May 22.

Cadwell is the newest team member at the Stevens Point fire department, and the young local has aspirations of being a volunteer firefighter.

“The chief gave me a tour of the station and all that, it’s just been really fun,” Cadwell said. “I’m not technically a volunteer yet, but I want to be soon.”

Cadwell’s grandfather, Mathew Duff, told the Gazette that the pass-by was a complete surprise to the new crew member. The graduate was thrilled to see a crowd of family and friends gathered outside of his house when his parents first brought him out as the fire trucks began to drive past.

Marcus Cadwell was celebrated on May 22, by Stevens Point service organizations, family, and friends. Taylor Hale photo.

“I had no idea they were doing this,” Cadwell said.

Cadwell and his peers in the district had to miss their graduation ceremony this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Cadwell noted that the support of his family, friends, and his new team at the fire department make up for the lost celebration.