DHSES Announces 37 New Graduates of Recruit Firefighter Training Program

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. Graduates come from 16 fire departments across the state, representing the Academy's 92nd 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 graduates of the 92nd Recruit Firefighter training class," Commissioner Bray said. "You join a community of firefighters across our state who risk their lives every day to protect New Yorkers from the dangers of fire and help keep their communities safe. Thank you for your commitment to public safety and your service to your neighbors."

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.

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 and physical books 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 the firefighters graduating today. They have completed an important foundational step in their fire service careers. I encourage them to never stop learning, to share their knowledge and experience freely, and to support those who follow in their footsteps."

Since its inception in 1984, the NYS Academy of Fire Science Recruit Firefighter Program graduated almost 2600 firefighters.

The following firefighters graduated today from the 92^nd Recruit Firefighter Training Program:

About the State Office of Fire Prevention and Control

The Office of Fire Prevention and Control delivers a wide range 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 State 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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