New Recruit Firefighter Training Graduates

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray today announced the graduation of 37 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. The Academy's 86th Recruit Firefighter Training class represents graduates from 18 different fire departments across the state. The rigorous 15-week residential program provides extensive fire service training in an environment similar to a full-time fire department. Upon graduation, all recruits will begin to serve as career firefighters in their respective fire department.

“Today’s ceremony celebrates the achievements of New York’s newest career firefighters as they begin their path in public service to protect their fellow New Yorkers,” Commissioner Bray said. “Following the completion of the Academy’s course, these firefighters have the necessary training and are well-equipped with the knowledge to keep our communities safe from fire danger and the many emergencies they are asked to respond to day in and day out.”

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 receive national certification from the National Board of Fire Service Professional Qualifications in Firefighter I, Firefighter II 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; 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 all of today’s graduates upon completion of their basic training.  I encourage each of them to build upon this foundation by continuing to train and never stop learning throughout their career. This is the second class to complete the new 15-week curriculum at the Academy, resulting in more firefighters obtaining national certification on their first exam attempt than we have seen in recent years. Demand for firefighter training at the Academy is at an all-time high and we look forward to welcoming the next class of recruits in February.”

The following firefighters graduated today from the 86th Recruit Firefighter Training Program:

The next Recruit Firefighter Training Program at the Academy begins on February 20, 2023.

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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