8 Salem Recruits Among Latest MA Firefighting Academy Graduates

SALEM, MA — Eight Salem Fire Department graduates were among the 23 members of the most recent 50-day Massachusetts Career Recruit Firefighting Training Program.

The Salem graduates from the 10-week program are Andres Bojos, Andrew Guzman, David Rodriquez, Dan Julien, Randall Kelleher, Joe Spak, Jeremy Quinton and Matt Trainor.

"First responders are on the frontlines protecting their communities, and these newest firefighters are needed now more than ever," said State Fire Marshal Peter 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."

The graduating firefighters of Class #311 also represent the fire departments of Beverly, Blackstone, Concord, Hudson, Lexington, Methuen, North Andover, Phillipston, Somerville, Waltham, and Westford.

Students receive 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.

The program includes classroom instruction, physical fitness training, skills training and live firefighting practice.

(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.)