LAWRENCE — As Patrick Delaney interviewed for the fire chief’s job last summer he said attracting new firefighters was among his top priorities.
He suggested a “feeder program” with Lawrence High School to bolster the incoming ranks.
“We have to go get them. We have to engage them,” Delaney told city councilors.
With Delaney now at the helm as fire chief, 21 Lawrence High School students graduated this week from the Lawrence Fire Department’s new Youth Fire Academy & Leadership Program.
The students are enrolled in the high school’s Abbott Lawrence Academy, a grade 9 through 12 rigorous honors program. After the semester-long, 40 to 60 hour program with the Fire Department, Delaney said he is talking with local community colleges about potentially getting the students early college credit for finishing the program.
Its curriculum was developed in partnership with Northern Essex Community College that operates campuses in Haverhill and Lawrence.
“We support them and the community supports them,” Delaney said of the graduates.
The students left the academy with certificates in CPR, AED/defibrillator use and Stop The Bleed training. Students also had access to coursework with the Federal Emergency Management Agency training institute.
The academy includes fire and life safety instruction, an introduction to careers in public service, growth and mentor opportunities, exposure to emergency medical services professions in Lawrence.,
They also stepped into the fire service environment, challenged themselves, built confidence, formed friendships, and showed the kind of dedication and respect that makes our entire community proud, Delaney said.
Although there were designated instructors, Delaney’s firefighters working their regular shifts often jumped into welcome and support the students and show them various things.
“So they could see everyone was supporting them,” he said.
State Rep. Frank Moran (D-Lawrence) attended the youth academy graduation and was impressed with what he saw and heard.
“They got to see firefighters and what they do on a daily basis,’ he said. “And the firefighters got to work with the youth of the community.”
The Abbott Academy graduates were: Winston Acosta, Dominic Armano, Jairo Barrera, Rafael Blanco, Albert Castillo, Wilson Cespedes, Erbert Flete, Azucena Flores, Aleah Hernandez, Erica Le, Yaneidy Lora, Franklin Mendez, Jaydon Monroy, Denzel Morales, Jadiel Nunez, Ian Perdomo, Xavier Rios, Esteban Sanchez, Julio Santana, Jeriamiah Sepulveda and Isabella Valdez.
For more information about the academy, Delaney can be reached at 978-620-3400 and pdelaney@cityoflawrence.com.
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