The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services today announced the graduation of 21 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 hail from 15 fire departments and represent the Academy's 78^th Recruit Firefighter Training class. The 11-week residential program provides extensive fire service training in an environment similar to a full-time fire department. Upon graduation, all students will become full-time firefighters in their respective fire departments when they return home.

“Congratulations to all 21 graduates for successfully navigating one of the nation’s toughest firefighter training programs,” said New York State Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Patrick A. Murphy. “While some people may say they want to give back to their communities when they can, others decide to make a career out of it. As these new firefighters return their respective hometowns, their fellow residents can rest easy knowing these brave individuals are prepared to spend their lives ensuring their neighbors, many of whom they have never met, are protected no matter the circumstances.”

“My sincere congratulations to the 21 graduates of the 78^th Recruit Firefighter Training Class,” said New York State Fire Administrator Francis Nerney. “You now join the ranks of the most well-trained firefighters in New York State. We are proud to call you our own.”

The 11-week program includes more than 500 hours of intense training in disciplines such as emergency vehicle and pump operations, flammable gas firefighting, basic rescue technician skills and foundational firefighting training and operations. Students also participated in daily physical fitness training in preparation for the Candidate Physical Ability Test.

Upon completion of the program, graduates have not only received the training necessary to exceed the state’s minimum standards for firefighter personnel, but also have obtained national certification in Firefighter I, Firefighter II and Hazardous Materials Operations.

The following firefighters graduated today from the 78^th Recruit Firefighter Training Program:

The next Recruit Firefighter Training Program will begin in early 2020.