Two Graduates From NYS Firefighter Training Program Will Serve With Cortland Fire Department

Commissioner Jackie Bray from the NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services has announced 37 firefighters have graduated from the State’s Recruit Firefighter Training program in Montour Falls. The 15-week residential training program is located at the Office of Fire Prevention and Control’s Academy and provides extensive fire service training in an environment similar to a full-time fire department.

“Congratulations to the graduates of the 92nd Recruit Firefighter training class,” Commissioner Bray said. “You join a community of firefighters across our state who risk their lives every day to protect New Yorkers from the dangers of fire and help keep their communities safe. Thank you for your commitment to public safety and your service to your neighbors.”

The program provides basic training for recently hired firefighters, but also for volunteer firefighters. According to the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, recruits in the program participate in over 600 hours of training that involves both classroom and practical settings. The classes focus on areas including structural, vehicle and flammable liquid firefighting, emergency vehicle operations, hazardous material emergency incident and basic rescue technician operations.

The 36 recruits in this class also participate in daily physical fitness training in preparation for the Candidate Physical Ability Test. Following their completion, they will receive national certification from the National Board of Fire Service Professional Qualifications in Firefighter I, Firefighter II, and Hazardous Materials Operations.

For the City of Cortland Fire Department, both Addison Brown and Noah Guernsey graduated from the school and will now join the ranks of their fellow firefighters. Both were sworn in with the department this past July.

New York State Fire Administrator James B. Cable said, “Congratulations to all of the firefighters graduating today. They have completed an important foundational step in their fire service careers. I encourage them to never stop learning, to share their knowledge and experience freely, and to support those who follow in their footsteps.”