Firefighters Graduate State Firefighting Academy

STOW, MA- 32 firefighters from 17 different fire departments graduated last week from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy, including firefighters from Northborough.

Students received classroom training in all basic firefighter skills. They practiced first under non-fire conditions and then during controlled fire conditions. To graduate, students had to demonstrate proficiency in life safety, search and rescue, ladder operations, water supply, pump operation, and fire attack. Fire attack operations ranged from mailbox fires to multiple-floor or multiple-room structural fires.

"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 graduating classes guest speaker was Leominster Deputy Fire Chief Scott Cordio. He has been an MFA instructor for two decades, and is a graduate of Career Recruit Firefighter Training Class #144. He spoke to the recruits about the importance of training and the culture of the fire service.