9 Waltham Students Graduate From MA Firefighting Academy

WALTHAM, MA — Nine students from Waltham Fire Department graduated from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy (MFA) Friday, said State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey in a statement.

A total of 61 recruits representing 29 fire departments across the state graduated after completing the 50-day Career Recruit Firefighting Training Program at three campuses. The Waltham recruits, part of Class #S26, trained at the Springfield campus.

“First responders are on the frontlines protecting their communities, and these newest firefighters are needed now more than ever,” said Ostroskey in a statement. “The rigorous professional training they’ve received provides them with the physical, mental, and technical skills to perform their jobs effectively and safely.”

During the program, 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 program, all students have met the national standards of National Fire Protection Association 1001. They are also 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.

The MFA, which marked its 50th anniversary last year, has graduated nearly 14,000 recruit, call, and volunteer firefighters in more than 430 classes.