Mackenzie Rider-Work of the Medina Fire Department was among 25 graduates of the state’s Recruit Firefighter Training program at the Office of Fire Prevention and Control’s Academy of Fire Science in Montour Falls.
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.
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.
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.
“Congratulations to the graduates of the 93rd Recruit Firefighter training class,” New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Acting Commissioner Terry O’Leary said. “Firefighters across New York put their lives on the line every day to keep their communities safe. Today, these men and women join the ranks of the thousands of brave and dedicated individuals who protect their communities — we wish them well as they begin their careers and thank them for their service.”
Graduates of the most recent program came from 14 fire departments across the state, representing the academy’s 93rd 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 departments.
New York State Fire Administrator James B. Cable said, “The successful completion of this training program is an important step that has prepared the firefighters graduating today to join their fire departments in protecting the communities they serve. I encourage the 25 graduates to never stop learning about the job and to readily share what they’ve learned.”
In addition to Rider-Work, Lockport firefighter Samuel Mozzillo graduated with the class as well.