BRIDGEWATER – State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey and Massachusetts Firefighting Academy (MFA) leadership presented certificates of completion to 22 graduating recruits of Class #BW22 on Friday. The ceremony took place at the Department of Fire Services’ Bridgewater campus.
22 Graduates from 15 Fire Departments-local firefighters graduating were:
F/F Cody Craveiro of the Bourne Fire Department
F/Fs Ryan Diplato and Seth Karter of the Centerville-Osterville-Marstons Mills Fire Department
F/Fs Caleb Crowell, Leathen Doig, Michael Kent, Nathaniel Olsen, and Diego Torres of the Dennis Fire Department;
From Dennis Fire: The Dennis Fire Department is proud to announce the graduation of five of its members from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy on Friday, November 4th, 2022. The ten-week course instructs firefighters on all aspects of firefighting, hazardous materials, vehicle extrication and pump operations. The course is demanding both academically and physically. The five members are from left to right Firefighters Michael Kent, Diego Torres, Nathaniel Olsen, Caleb Crowell and Leathan Doig.
In addition, Firefighter Nathaniel Olsen was presented with the Richard N. Bangs Award given to the outstanding student of the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy Recruit Class. This selection is based upon achievements in both academic exams and practical skills.
“All of our firefighters scored extremely high in their academics and Firefighter Caleb Crowell was nominated to represent the class by being the spokesperson for the graduation. I’m very proud, and the town should be very proud, to have such fine men as their firefighters”. Chief Robert Brown
F/F Michael Looney of the Eastham Fire Department
F/F Zachery Bergston of the Harwich Fire Department:
From Harwich Fire: Surrounded by the members of Group 3, Firefighter Zach Bengston receives his first helmet from Deputy Chief Thornton and Chief LeBlanc.
A tradition started in 2020, each new firefighter, upon graduation from the fire academy, receives a leather helmet.
For each firefighter, their helmet serves as a reminder of the work they have done and the challenges they have faced. A firefighters helmet serves as a reminder of their career, with each scratch or scar marking each moment.
Upon their retirement, each firefighter is presented with their helmet by the Chief. So they can look back on a career of serving their community and making a difference.
This is why we started this tradition, so that from beginning to end, every firefighter will have a reminder, a touchstone for making a difference.
F/F Cole Dafinee of the Orleans Fire Department
F/F Braden Wilson of the Truro Fire Department
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.
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.
