New firefighters include Taylor Warren of the Medway Fire Department

 

STOW – State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey and Deputy State Fire Marshal Maribel Fournier announced the graduation of 42 firefighters from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy today.  Graduates completed the 50-day Career Recruit Firefighting Training Program at two campuses: Class #294 trained at the Stow campus and Class #BW12 trained at the Bridgewater campus.

 “This rigorous professional training provides our newest firefighters with the basic skills to perform their jobs effectively and safely,” said State Fire Marshal Ostroskey. The Massachusetts Firefighting Academy (MFA), a division of the Department of Fire Services, offers this program tuition-free.

 Class #294 (Stow): 24 Graduates from 17 Fire Departments - The 24 firefighters of Class #294 represent the fire departments of Bedford, Chelmsford, Fitchburg, Hopedale, Hopkinton, Hudson, Lexington, Lynnfield, Medfield, Medway, Newton, Plymouth, Randolph, Wayland, Westminster, Weston, and Woburn.

This class included Taylor Warren of the Medway Fire Department.

 Class #BW12 (Bridgewater): 18 Graduates from Eight Fire Departments - The 18 firefighters of Class #BW12 represent the fire departments of Attleboro, Eastham, Nahant, Salem, Sandwich, Sharon, Stoughton, and Yarmouth.

 “First responders are on the frontlines protecting their communities, and these newest firefighters are needed now more than ever,” said Deputy State Fire Marshal Maribel Fournier who is serving as the MFA director. “We have taken advantage of technology, reduced class size for social distancing, implemented daily screening, and required mask-wearing to keep our instructors and students as safe as possible.”

 Training Safely During Pandemic

In response to the pandemic, the MFA reorganized its 10-week curriculum to take advantage of online learning technology while ensuring plenty of practical skill experience on-campus with instructors. Students utilized virtual classroom learning and practical training on campus, using special safeguards and social distancing, to maximize learning opportunities while also reducing group sizes.

Basic Firefighter Skills

Students receive classroom training in all basic firefighter skills. They practice first under non-fire conditions and then during controlled fire conditions. To graduate, students must demonstrate proficiency in life safety, search and rescue, ladder operations, water supply, pump operation, and fire attack. Fire attack operations range from mailbox fires to multiple-floor or multiple-room structural fires. Upon successful completion of the Recruit Program all students have met the national standards of National Fire Protection Association 1001 and are certified to the level of Firefighter I and II, and Hazardous Materials First Responder Operational Level by the Massachusetts Fire Training Council, which is accredited by the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications.

 Class #294 (Stow) consisted of 24 graduates from 17 fire departments from Bedford, Chelmsford, Fitchburg, Hopedale, Hopkinton, Hudson, Lexington, Lynnfield, Medfield, Medway, Newton, Plymouth, Randolph, Wayland, Westminster, Weston, and Woburn. This class included Taylor Warren of the Medway Fire Department. Courtesy photo. 

Today’s Firefighters Do Far More than Fight Fires

Today’s firefighters do far more than fight fires. They train to respond to all types of hazards and emergencies. They are the first ones called to respond to chemical and environmental emergencies, ranging from the suspected presence of carbon monoxide, to Fentanyl overdoses or a gas leak. They may be called to rescue a child who has fallen through the ice or who has locked himself in a bathroom. They rescue people from stalled elevators and those who are trapped in vehicle crashes. They test and maintain their equipment including self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), hydrants, hoses, power tools, and apparatus.

 At the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy, they learn all these skills and more, including the latest science of fire behavior and suppression tactics, from certified fire instructors. They also receive training in public fire education, hazardous material incident mitigation, flammable liquids, stress management, and self-rescue techniques. The intensive, 10-week program for municipal firefighters involves classroom instruction, physical fitness training, firefighter skills training, and live firefighting practice.

 Watch the graduation ceremony at:

Class #294: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxlWi3c6GyI  

Class BW12: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orEoswhUKk0