Beverly, Danvers Recruits Among MA Firefighter Academy Graduates

BEVERLY, MA — Four Danvers recruits and two from Beverly were among the 21 firefighters who graduated this week from the Massachusetts Firefighting Training Program.

"First responders are on the frontlines protecting their communities, and these newest firefighters are needed now more than ever," State Fire Marshal Ostroskey said. "The rigorous professional training they've received provides them with the physical, mental, and technical skills to perform their jobs effectively and safely."

Benjamin Atherton and Patrick McPherson graduated from Beverly, while Nickolas Bean, Connor Farley, Duncan Lawrence, Benjamin Wood and Ryan Charette.

The Beverly and Danvers recruits joined those from Andover, Dracut, Middleborough, Stoneham, Sudbury, Truro, Wakefield, Weston and Woburn in Class 305 at the MFA's Stow campus.

The 50-day program includes classroom training in basic firefighting skills, and practice under non-fire and controlled fire conditions.

Graduates must show proficiency in life safety, search and rescue, ladder operations, water supply, pump operation and fire attack, as well as training in other aspects of a firefighter's job ranging from chemical response to rescues.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)