David Giasullo Graduates from Massachusetts Firefighting Academy

(Editor's note: The following article is based on information submitted by Tewksbury Fire Chief Michael Hazel.)

Tewksbury Firefighter David J. Giasullo graduated from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy as a member of Recruit Class #197 on Dec. 21.

The 12-week training program covers all aspects of firefighting as well as having demanding academic and physical fitness components.  The program is designed to train and evaluate students in the basic skills of firefighting.

“This rigorous professional training provides our newest firefighters with the basic skills to perform their jobs effectively and safely,” said Fire Marshal Stephen Coan.

“Completing the recruit program is an accomplishment worthy of recognition in and of itself.” said Tewksbury Chief Michael Hazel. “Congratulations to David and his 68 classmates for achieving that success and for joining a noble and rewarding profession.”

Chief Hazel was joined by Lt. James Giasullo, David's father, at the presentation ceremony.  Lt. Giasullo presented his son with his training certificate.

In addition to graduating from the program, Giasullo was nominated by the instructors of his recruit class to receive the Richard N. Bangs Outstanding Student Award.  This award is given to the outstanding student of each firefighting recruit class.

Being recommended for this award is based upon successful achievement in both academic exams and practical skill applications.  A copy of this commendation has been placed in his official student record at the Academy.

The ceremony took place at the Department of Fire Services in Stow.

The guest speaker was Worcester Firefighter David Ryan, who responded to the Dec. 8, 2011 fire that took the life of Worcester Firefighter Jon Davies Sr. and trapped an injured Firefighter Brian Carroll. Ryan is also an instructor at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy.

The 69 graduates, two women and 67 men, represent the 41 departments of Agawam, Arlington, Barnstable, Beverly, Bourne, Cambridge, Canton, Charlton, Clinton, Concord, Danvers, Dedham, Easton, Fitchburg, Hanover, Hanson, Haverhill, Hingham, Holden, Holyoke, Hudson, Lawrence, Leominster, Lexington, Lowell, Malden, Marshfield, Medford, Methuen, Milton, Newburyport, Norwell, Norwood, Revere, Shrewsbury, Southbridge, Tewksbury, Ware, Westborough, Westfield, and Woburn.