THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JUNE 18, 2021 Page 3 Two from Saugus complete state Firefighting Academy T wo Saugus firefighters are among the most recent class to graduate from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy. Firefighters Jonathan Crombie and Nicholas Landry were among 19 firefighters from 12 fire departments who completed the 50-day Career Recruit Firefighting Training Program of the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy (MFA) last Friday (June 11). MFA, a division of the Department of Fire Services, offers this program tuition-free. Landry, 23, a 2016 Saugus High School graduate, was one of six new members who joined the Saugus Fire Department early last year before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. He is the grandson of Lt. Domenic Cataldo, who was a decorated and longtime member of the Saugus Fire Department. Crombie is a 2016 graduate of Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School. “This rigorous professional training provides our newest firefighters with the basic skills to perform their jobs effectively and safely,” said State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey. The 19 graduates represent the 12 fire departments of Beverly, Burlington, Danvers, Haverhill, Lynnfield, Manchester, Natick, Northborough, Orleans, Saugus, Upton and Winchester. “First responders are on the frontlines protecting their communities and these newest firefighters are needed now more than ever,” said Deputy State Fire Marshal Maribel Fournier, who is serving as the MFA director. “We have taken advantage of technology, reduced class size for social distancing, implemented daily screening, and required mask-wearing to keep our instructors and students as safe as possible during these uncertain times,” she said. 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 might be called RECENT GRADUATES: A year of COVID-19 delayed their training, but Saugus Firefighters Jonathan Crombie and Nicholas Landry recently graduated from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate). to rescue a child who has fallen through the ice or who has locked themself 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 MFA, they learn all these skills and more from certified fire instructors who are also experienced firefighters. Students learn all the basic skills they need to respond to fires, to contain and to control them, including the latest science of fire behavior and suppression tactics. 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. Training safely during pandemic In response to the pandemic, the 10-week curriculum was reorganized to take advantage of online learning technology while ensuring plenty of on-campus, practical skill experience with instructors. Students were on campus Monday through Thursday for short classroom lessons but mostly practicing and mastering new hands-on skills in the drill yard. Students studied in the virtual classroom on Fridays, where new topics were covered indepth. Basic firefighter skills The students received classroom training in all basic firefighter skills. They practiced 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. After the students successfully complete the Recruit Program, they have met the 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.
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