Trevor Abdallah of Methuen was one of 30 firefighters to graduate Friday from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy.
State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine and Massachusetts Firefighting Academy leadership said firefighters graduated from the 50-day Career Recruit Firefighting Training Program. Besides Methuen, communities represented included Acton, Auburn, Billerica, Chelsea, Danvers, Malden, Northborough, Revere, Southborough, Walpole, Waltham, Westborough, Westwood and Winthrop.
“Massachusetts firefighters are on the frontlines protecting their communities every day, and today’s graduates are needed now more than ever,” said Davine. “The hundreds of hours of foundational training they’ve received will provide them with the physical, mental and technical skills to perform their jobs effectively and safely.”
Students receive classroom training in all basic firefighter skills. They practice first under non-fire conditions and then during controlled fire conditions, officials explained. To graduate, students must demonstrate proficiency in life safety, search and rescue, ladder operations, water supply, pump operation and fire attack.
“Massachusetts Firefighting Academy instructors draw on decades of experience in the fire service to train new recruits,” said Academy Recruit Program Coordinator Dean Babineau. “Through consistent classroom instruction and practical exercises, today’s graduates have developed the tools they’ll need to work seamlessly with veteran
At the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy, recruits also learn the latest science of fire behavior and suppression tactics, from certified fire instructors. They also receive training in public fire education, hazardous material incident mitigation, flammable liquids, stress management and self-rescue techniques.