State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey and Massachusetts Firefighting Academy Director David C. Evans announce the graduation of the 265th class of the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy’s fifty-day Career Recruit Firefighter Training Program on July 27, 2018.
Among the 34 Graduates from 17 Fire Departments are Methuen Firefighters Brian Hall and Derek Michienzi (pictured left to right).
At the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy, Hall and Michienzi learned from certified fire instructors who are also experienced firefighters. They are given training in public fire education, hazardous material incident mitigation, flammable liquids, stress management, confined space rescue techniques, and rappelling.
The intensive, ten-week program for municipal firefighters involves classroom instruction, physical fitness training, firefighter skills training, and live firefighting practice.
“This rigorous professional training provides our newest firefighters with the basic skills to perform their jobs effectively and safely,” said State Fire Marshal Ostroskey. To graduate, students must demonstrate proficiency in life safety, search and rescue, ladder operations, water supply, pump operation, and fire attack.
Upon successful completion of the Recruit Program, Hall and Michienzi have met 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.
“We are very proud of Brian and Derek,” says Methuen Fire Chief Tim Sheehy. “Graduating from the Academy takes hard work, focus, and perseverance. Both of these firefighters will apply the skills they have learned in serving the people of Methuen.”