Last month, 33 local firefighters graduated from the 10-week Massachusetts Firefighting Academy in Stow, including Methuen members (from left) Alexander Moir, Patrick Fleming, Luis Correa and Troy Donahue. Students receive classroom training in all basic firefighter skills. They practice first under non-fire conditions and 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. Upon successful completion of the Career Recruit Program, all students have met the national standards of NFPA 1010, Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications, and are certified to the levels of Firefighter I/II and Hazardous Materials First Responder Operations by the Massachusetts Fire Training Council, which is accredited by the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications. Courtesy photo
