MIDDLEBORO — Four new firefighters are joining the Middleboro Fire Department after graduating from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy’s 50-day Career Recruit Firefighting Training Program.

Matthew Mokeler, Patrick O'Donnell, Thomas Simon and Anthony Visconte were among 34 recruits in Class #330 recognized during a ceremony in Stow. The program prepares firefighters for the job through training in areas such as fire suppression, search and rescue, hazardous materials response and life safety.

“These new graduates are stepping into an important role in their communities,” said State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine. “The training they’ve received gives them the foundation to perform their duties effectively and safely.”

Instructors at the academy provide both classroom education and hands-on training based on real-life emergency situations.

The four Middleboro graduates will now begin their assignments with the department.