DHSES Announces 34 Graduates of Recruit Firefighter Training

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray today announced the graduation of 34 new firefighters from the state’s Recruit Firefighter Training program at the Office of Fire Prevention and Control’s Academy of Fire Science in Montour Falls. Graduates come from 15 fire departments across the state, representing the Academy’s 88th Recruit Firefighter training class. The rigorous 15-week residential program provides extensive fire service training in an environment like a full-time fire department. Upon graduation, all the recruits will serve as career firefighters in their respective fire department.

“Congratulations to the Academy’s 88th Recruit Firefighter training class on all of their hard work to become an active member of the state’s fire service,” Commissioner Bray said. “These graduates have spent more than three months learning and training to ensure they have the skills and knowledge they need to keep their communities safe upon returning home. We thank them for their commitment and dedication toward protecting their fellow New Yorkers and wish them well as they begin their careers.“

The Office of Fire Prevention and Control’s Recruit Firefighter Training program provides basic training for recently hired career firefighters. During the 15-week program, recruits participate in more than 600 hours of training in both classroom and practical settings. Classes focus on areas such as structural, vehicle and flammable liquid firefighting, emergency vehicle operations, hazardous material emergency incident and basic rescue technician operations. Recruits also participate in daily physical fitness training in preparation for the Candidate Physical Ability Test. All graduates have the potential to achieve national certification from the National Board of Fire Service Professional Qualifications in Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Fire and Life Safety Educator I, and Hazardous Materials Operations.

Today’s graduates received training in areas such as operating aerial devices; traffic incident management to keep firefighters safe on roadways; health and safety; fire prevention; firefighter rescue; hazardous materials response, and technical rescue. During the training program, students use iPads to provide greater access and flexibility to testing, as well as study materials.

New York State Fire Administrator James B. Cable said, “I commend today’s graduates on their achievement and commitment to the fire service. The rigorous training they received at the Academy will enable them to meet the challenges they will face when protecting New Yorkers from fire danger and other emergencies. Today’s graduates join nearly 100,000 firefighters across New York State who respond to emergencies at all hours to protect New Yorkers.”

The following firefighters graduated today from the 88th Recruit Firefighter Training program:

The next Recruit Firefighter Training program at the Academy begins on February 12, 2024.

About the State Office of Fire Prevention and Control

The Office of Fire Prevention and Control delivers a wide breadth of essential services to firefighters, emergency responders, state and local government agencies, public and private colleges, and the citizens of New York to help ensure the safety of all stakeholders. The office advances public safety through firefighter training, education, fire prevention, investigative, special operations, and technical rescue programs. 

About the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services 

The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services provides leadership, coordination and support for efforts to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from terrorism and other man-made and natural disasters, threats, fires and other emergencies. For more information, visit the DHSES Facebook page, follow @NYSDHSES on Twitter, or Instagram, or visit dhses.ny.gov.

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