The Connecticut Fire Academy proudly announces the graduation of Recruit Class #54. The class of 42 firefighters, representing 23 career and volunteer fire departments from across the state, will complete their 14-week residential-based training program this Thursday, December 4, 2014.
A graduation ceremony will be held at the Parsons Government Center at 70 West River Street in Milford this Friday, December 5, 2014, at 1:30 pm.
The graduating class roster consists of firefighters representing 23 Fire Departments in the communities of Branford, Bridgeport, Burlington, East Haven, Easton, Enfield, Gales Ferry, Greenwich, Harwington, Hamden, Killingworth, Ledyard, Manchester, Milford, Monroe, Naugatuck, North Branford, North Haven, New Canaan, Ridgefield, Wallingford, Westport and Willimantic.
The recruits have been undergoing intensive daily training at the Connecticut Fire Academy since August 25, 2014, focusing on developing knowledge, skills and abilities critical for entry level firefighters. The core program components are to establish a strong desire for and commitment to self-discipline, teamwork, company morale, orderliness and precision. Additional course components include training in Hazardous Materials Mitigation, Weapons of Mass Destruction Preparedness, Confined Space Rescue, CPR Defibrillator and Technical Rescue. The graduating recruits will be nationally certified to the levels of Firefighter I and Firefighter II, in addition to many being awarded a variety of certificates for specialized training.