Call Firefighters graduate for Acushnet and Fairhaven

Press Release

State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey and Deputy State Fire Marshal Maribel Fournier, acting director of the Massachusetts Fire­fighting Academy (MFA), announced the graduation of 35 recruits from the MFA Call/Volunteer Recruit Fire­fighter Training Program. The graduates received certificates of completion at a ceremony held on 5/23 at Bridgewater State University.

Call/Volunteer Recruit Firefighter Training Class #97

The 35 graduates represent the 16 fire departments of Acushnet, Berkley, Chatham, Dartmouth Fire District 1, Fairhaven, Halifax, Lakeville, Marion, Medway, Plympton, Raynham, Reho­both, Rochester, Truro, Wareham, and West Bridgewater.

“First responders are on the front lines of any crisis and these newest firefighters are needed now more than ever,” said Deputy State Fire Marshal Fournier. “The rigorous training they’ve completed provides them with the fundamental skills and knowledge necessary to protect their communities safely and effectively.”

The Call/Volunteer Firefighter Recruit Training Program is unique in that it delivers a standard recruit training curriculum, meeting national standards, on nights and weekends to accommodate the schedule of fire­fighters in suburban and rural areas. Bringing the training closer to fire­fighters means more can participate and allows them more time to practice training skills with instructors. 

The MFA, a division of the Depart­ment of Fire Services, has offered the program since 2003. To date, nearly 3,000 call and volunteer recruits have graduated.

Today’s Firefighters Do Far More 

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 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 program in­volves clas­sroom instruction, physical fitness training, firefighter skills training, and live firefighting practice.

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. 

Graduates have completed 240 hours of training on nights and weekends. Upon successful comple­tion of this program, all students have met the standards of National Fire Protection Association 1001. In addition, they have the ability to become certified to the level of Firefighter I and II and Hazardous Materials First Responder Operations Level by the Massachusetts Fire Training Council, which is accredited by the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications.

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