Graduation Photos Available Here
New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray today announced the graduation of 26 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 14 fire departments across the state, representing the Academy's 91st 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.
“New York’s firefighters risk their lives every time they put on their uniforms to keep their communities safe from fire dangers and other emergencies,” Commissioner Bray said. “Congratulations to these graduates and thank you for your service and your commitment to public safety.”
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.
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, “Graduation from the Recruit Firefighter Training program represents an important step in a career in fire service, laying the foundation of knowledge on which to grow. I encourage graduates to continue to seek out and take advantage of opportunities to further their education and training. Congratulations to the graduates and thank you for your service.”
The following firefighters graduated yesterday, May 22, from the 91st Recruit Firefighter Training Program:
| Name | Home Fire Department |
| Kalan C. Knickerbocker | Corning FD |
| Leonard D. Modelewski | Dewitt FD |
| Garrett H. Sawyer | Dewitt FD |
| Jaxson P. Pencek | Dunkirk FD |
| Steven E. Zentz | Dunkirk FD |
| Christopher M. Burrell | Elmira FD |
| Joseph M. Ducot | Elmira FD |
| Jared A. Moore | Elmira FD |
| Aiden K. Reese | Elmira FD |
| Jacob T. Euell | Fairview FD |
| John P. Schlusser V | Fairview FD |
| Bryce R. Fisher | Fredonia FD |
| Steven J. Gitto | Glens Falls FD |
| Paul J. Lindsay | Glens Falls FD |
| Ryan K. Ward | Glens Falls FD |
| Andrew J. Sherwood | Harrison FD |
| Justin D. Morse | Hornell FD |
| Drew R. Hurd | Ithaca FD |
| Gary Laskowsky | Ithaca FD |
| Peter R. Verfuss | Ithaca FD |
| Richard B. Young | Ithaca FD |
| Samantha S. Carr | Ithaca Airport FD |
| Nathaniel F. Bressard | Massena FD |
| Robert J. Betanzos III | Monticello FD |
| Logan F. Abbott | Oswego FD |
| Noah I. Pryor | Oswego FD |
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 for efforts to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from terrorism, natural disasters, threats, fires and other emergencies. For more information, visit the DHSES Facebook page, follow @NYSDHSES on X, or visit dhses.ny.gov.
Get real time emergency and weather alert texts delivered directly to your phone. Text your county or borough of residence to 333111 to enroll now. Learn more at dhses.ny.gov/emergency-alerts.
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