The graduating class had 71 members from 35 separate departments across the state.
View full sizeThe most recent graduates of the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy pose for a class pictureSTOW - Eleven firefighters from seven area departments were among the recent graduates of the MassachusettsFireighting Academy's Recruit Firefighter Program.
In all, the 193rd academy graduating class had 71 members from 35 separate departments across the state. The ceremony was last week at the state Department of Fire Services in Stow.
Local graduates were Marc A. Periera, Agawam, Michael J. Cachat Jr. and Andrew C. Eisch of Greenfield, Andrew J. Markt and Michael F. Northe of Longmeadow, Robert E. Dooley and Matthew R. Niles of Ludlow, Shawn P. Crimmins and Jeremy W. McPherson of Northampton, Trisha L.F. Mieczkowski of Turners Falls, and Matthew A. Pacinella of Westfield.
To graduate, students must demonstrate proficiency in various firefighting skills and tactics, including search and rescue, ladder operations, pump operation, and fire attack. Upon completion of the program, graduates have met 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.
State Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan said “This rigorous professional training provides our newest firefighters with the basic skills to perform their jobs effectively and safely."