Chief Joanne Hayes-White pinned badges on the new firefighters -- some of whom will report to work Saturday.
These new firefighters left careers in education, the medical field, and even the police force to join the department.
"Working for the San Francisco Fire Department is a dream come true to me," new SF firefighter Jennifer Romanini said. "It's a profession where you can really help and serve the community. Help people."
San Francisco now has about 1,500 firefighters.
The fire department has another academy set for next year, and may schedule a second one in 2013 just to try to keep up with retirements.
