Lakeville firefighters graduate from academy
From left, Brian Hill, Jack Valcovic and Ethan Hecht of the Lakeville Fire Department recently graduated from the firefighting academy. Submitted photo
From left, Brian Hill, Jack Valcovic and Ethan Hecht of the Lakeville Fire Department recently graduated from the firefighting academy. Submitted photo
LAKEVILLE -- Brian Hill, Jack Valcovic and Ethan Hecht of the Lakeville Fire Department recently graduated from Massachusetts Firefighting Academy’s Call/Volunteer Recruit Firefighter Training Program, State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine has announced.
The members of Call/Volunteer Recruit Class #129 graduated at the Department of Fire Services’ Bridgewater campus. They represent the fire departments of Acushnet, Berkley, Chatham, Dartmouth Fire District 3, Lakeville, Onset, Plympton, Raynham, Rehoboth, Rochester, and Swansea.
“Massachusetts firefighters are on the frontlines protecting their communities every day, and these graduates are needed now more than ever,” said Davine. “The hundreds of hours of foundational training they’ve received on nights and weekends will provide them with the physical, mental, and technical skills to perform their jobs effectively and safely.”
“Massachusetts Firefighting Academy instructors draw on decades of experience in the fire service to train new recruits,” said MFA Recruit Program Coordinator Dean Babineau. “Through consistent classroom instruction and practical exercises, these graduates have developed the tools they’ll need to protect themselves, their communities, and each other.”
Today’s firefighters train for all types of hazards and emergencies, Davine said.
They are the first ones called to chemical and environmental emergencies, ranging from the suspected presence of carbon monoxide to Fentanyl overdoses or a gas leak. They may be called to rescue children who have fallen through the ice or locked themselves in a bathroom. They rescue people from stalled elevators and crashed vehicles. They must test, maintain, and utilize equipment such as self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), hydrants, hoses, power tools, and apparatus.
At the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy, they learn these skills and more, including the latest science of fire behavior and suppression tactics, from certified fire instructors.
Graduates have completed 240 hours of training on nights and weekends. Upon successful completion of this program, all students have met the national standards of NFPA 1010, Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications. In addition, they may seek certification to the level of Firefighter I/II and Hazardous Materials Operational Level Responder.
