New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray today announced the graduation of 38 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 11 fire departments across the state, representing the Academy's 90th 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 and joining 2457 other graduates of this program.
“Congratulations to the graduates of the 90th Recruit Firefighter training class,” Commissioner Bray said. “You join the thousands of firefighters across New York State who risk their lives day in and day out to protect New Yorkers from fire danger and other emergencies. Thank you for your commitment to public safety and your service to your local communities. I wish all of the graduates godspeed as career firefighters in the fire service.”
The Office of Fire Prevention and Control’s Recruit Firefighter Training Program provides basic training for recently hired career firefighters, as well as volunteer 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. Upon completion, graduates will have received national certification from the National Board of Fire Service Professional Qualifications in Firefighter I, Firefighter II and Hazardous Materials Operations. In addition, they received completion in nearly 30 courses offered by the Office of Fire Prevention and Control.
Today’s graduates received training in areas such as operating aerial devices; traffic incident management to keep firefighters safe on roadways; health and safety; firefighter rescue; hazardous materials response, and technical rescue. During the training program, students use iPads to provide them with greater access and flexibility to testing, as well as study materials.
New York State Fire Administrator James B. Cable said, “Congratulations to each of the firefighters graduating from the Recruit Firefighter Training program. It represents an important step which lays the foundation for their career in the fire service. As the challenges facing the fire service are ever evolving, I encourage them to continue to seek out and take advantage of opportunities to further their fire service education and training.”
The following firefighters graduated today:
Name | Department Name |
Corey McNaughton | Cortland |
Joshua Prince | Cortland |
Cameron Smith | DeWitt |
Michael Simmes | Glens Falls |
Kyle Spiezio | Glens Falls |
Joseph Sullivan | Glens Falls |
Joshua Tudda | Glens Falls |
Christopher Davis | Hornell |
Joshua Szarek | Hornell |
Bryan Adams | Ithaca |
William Bellingham Jr | Ithaca |
Daimon Shoemaker | Ithaca |
Gaelen Walsh | Ithaca |
Kelton Young | Ithaca |
Nolan Emerson | Jamestown |
Matthew Golombek | Jamestown |
Sarah Hanlon | Jamestown |
Colin Melquist | Jamestown |
Walker Perry | Jamestown |
Michael Scalise | Jamestown |
Christopher Szatkowski | Jamestown |
Lucas Willink | Jamestown |
Derek Caldwell | Lockport |
Xavier Jones | Lockport |
Benjamin Kalbfliesh | Lockport |
Joseph Kyle | Medina |
Tiffany Petry | Medina |
Abbie Bales | Oswego |
Gage Campbell | Oswego |
Christopher Clemente | Oswego |
Kyle Kon | Oswego |
Cole Ladouceur | Oswego |
Caden Michaels | Oswego |
Adyme Ritz-LaRue | Oswego |
Gavyn Mitchell | Plattsburgh |
Connor O'Neil | Plattsburgh |
Christopher Rowell | Plattsburgh |
Nicholas Lepiane | St. Paul Blvd. |
The next Recruit Firefighter Training Program at the Academy begins February 10, 2025.
About the State Office of Fire Prevention and Control
The Office of Fire Prevention and Control delivers a wide breadth of services to firefighters, emergency responders, state and local government agencies, public and private colleges, and the citizens of New York. The office advances public safety through firefighter training, education, fire prevention, investigative, special operations, and technical rescue programs. The delivery of these essential services enables the office to make significant contributions to the safety of all of New York State.
About the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services
The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services provides leadership, coordination, and support to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate disasters and other emergencies. For more information, find DHSES on Facebook, on Twitter or visit dhses.ny.gov.
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