Two Lexington Firefighters Graduate From Mass. Firefighting Academy

Lexington MA

05 September, 2021

8:34 PM

Description

Press release from the Lexington Fire Department: September 3, 2021 Fire Chief Derek Sencabaugh recently announced two Lexington firefighters have graduated from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy (MFA), Class #294. Paula Gageiro and Ryan Kennedy completed the MFA's 50-day Career Recruit Firefighting Training Program and learned important skills that will help saves lives here in Lexington. Training Safely During Pandemic In response to the pandemic, the MFA reorganized its 10-week curriculum to take advantage of online learning technology while ensuring plenty of practical skill experience on-campus with instructors. Students utilized virtual classroom learning and practical training on campus, using special safeguards and social distancing, to maximize learning opportunities while also reducing group sizes. Basic Firefighter Skills Students receive classroom training in all basic firefighter skills. They practice first under non-fire conditions and then during controlled fire conditions. To graduate, students must demonstrate proficiency in life safety, search and rescue, ladder operations, water supply, pump operation, and fire attack. Fire attack operations range from mailbox fires to multiple-floor or multiple-room structural fires. Upon successful completion of the Recruit Program all students have met the national standards of National Fire Protection Association 1001 and are certified to the level of Firefighter I and II, and Hazardous Materials First Responder Operational Level by the Massachusetts Fire Training Council, which is accredited by the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications. Today's Firefighters Do Far More than Fight Fires Today's firefighters do far more than fight fires. They train to respond to all types of hazards and emergencies. They are the first ones called to respond to chemical and environmental emergencies, ranging from the suspected presence of carbon monoxide, to Fentanyl overdoses or a gas leak. They may be called to rescue a child who has fallen through the ice or who has locked himself in a bathroom. They rescue people from stalled elevators and those who are trapped in vehicle crashes. They test and maintain their equipment including self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), hydrants, hoses, power tools, and apparatus. At the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy, they learn all these skills and more, including the latest science of fire behavior and suppression tactics, from certified fire instructors. They also receive training in public fire education, hazardous material incident mitigation, flammable liquids, stress management, and self-rescue techniques. The intensive, 10-week program for municipal firefighters involves classroom instruction, physical fitness training, firefighter skills training, and live firefighting practice. This press release was produced by the Lexington Fire Department. The views expressed here are the author's own.