Woburn Firefighter Graduates From Mass. Firefighting Academy

Woburn firefighter Matthew Bishop recently graduated with 232nd class of the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy.

Bishop was among 24 graduates from 15 departments across the state to complete the academy’s 45-day Career Recruit Firefighting Training Program.

Deputy State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey and Massachusetts Firefighting Academy Director George D. Kramlinger announced the graduation of the 232nd class on August 28, 2015.

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

The Massachusetts Firefighting Academy, a division of the Department of Fire Services, offers this program, tuition-free.

The guest speaker at the graduation was Northampton Fire Chief Duane Nichols, a 28-year veteran of the department who was appointed chief in July. Chief Nichols spoke to the graduates about how the 9-week Recruit Program is the solid foundation for career-long learning and training.

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

At the academy, students learn all the basic skills they need to respond to fires and to contain and control them. They are also given training in public fire education, hazardous material incident mitigation, flammable liquids, stress management, confined space rescue techniques, and rappelling.

Photo Credit: Mass.Gov