STOW, MA –State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey and Massachusetts Firefighting Academy Deputy Director Joseph Klucznik announced the graduation of the 247th class of the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy’s fifty-day Career Recruit Firefighter Training Program on August 22, 2016. “This rigorous professional training provides our newest firefighters with the basic skills to perform their jobs effectively and safely,” said State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey. The Massachusetts Firefighting Academy (MFA), a division of the Department of Fire Services, offers this program tuition-free. The ceremony took place at the Department of Fire Services in Stow, MA.
29 Graduates from 16 Fire Departments
The 29 graduates, all men include Yarmouth Firefighter/Paramedic Michael Oliva (right) who completed the Recruit Firefighter Program at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy. Graduating with 29 firefighters from across Massachusetts, Firefighter Oliva received the Richard N. Bangs Award which is given to the outstanding student of each recruit class. This recognition was based on Firefighter Oliva’s exceptional academic average and outstanding skill proficiency.
Guest Speaker Yarmouth Fire Chief Philip Simonian
The guest speaker was Yarmouth Fire Chief Philip Simonian who began his career as an auxiliary firefighter with the Yarmouth Fire Department the day he turned 16. After high school, he became a call firefighter, then a full-time firefighter and rose through the ranks to chief three years ago. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Science & Fire Investigations from the University of New Haven, and a Master’s in Public Administration from Anna Maria College. He spoke to the recruits about the importance of continuing to train throughout their careers and of remaining physically fit to meet the demands of the job, for their own health, and the safety of their colleagues. Referencing the on-going Olympics, he reminded them that firefighting is a “team sport” and they should always bring their “A game” to work.
Joint media release from Mass Department of Fire Services and Yarmouth Fire
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