Rye Firefighter/Paramedic Graduates from National Fire Academy Managing Officer Program

RYE — Fire Chief Mark Cotreau and the Rye Fire Department are pleased to announce that firefighter Michael Rivet has successfully completed the National Fire Academy’s Managing Officer Program. 

Firefighter/Paramedic Rivet recently graduated from the National Fire Academy’s Managing Officer Program in Emmitsburg, Maryland.  

The program is a multiyear curriculum that teaches emerging fire service leaders personal and professional skills in change management, risk reduction and adaptive leadership.  

Students were tasked with creating a final capstone project that was centered around reducing risk management and implementing a solution using the new concepts learned through the program.  

Rivet’s capstone project focused on increasing jet ski ocean rescue capability, specifically for the Rye Fire Department and the Town of Rye, which purchased a jet ski in 2019. 

Rivet began his capstone with extensive research into local and federal laws centered around a community risk-based assessment. Rivet then was able to identify the hazards and challenges of safely operating a jet ski, specifically, in ´low light’ situations during dawn and dusk.  

“I felt that ocean rescue safety was an important safety issue to address because the hazard level of an ocean rescue increases significantly when it becomes dark,” said Rivet. “I feel it is important that we are able to meet that expectation in every situation. The residents and visitors of Rye expect the fire department to respond and help regardless of what time they call us.” 

Rivet used his research toimplement solutions to help resolve these issues including adopting new policies, organizing a training program that would focus on navigation and communication, and purchasing additional equipment that would be needed for the Rye jet ski.  

“I had a great experience at the National Fire Academy, and I feel very fortunate that I was able to complete this program,” said Rivet. “I have gained a large network of peers from all over the country and an improved perspective of the fire service on a national scale. I am looking forward to adding to and improving the services that we can offer to our community.”  

“I want to congratulate Michael on his hard work and dedication not only to his education but also to the fire service,” said Chief Cotreau. “I am looking forward to watching him in this next chapter as he implements what he learned to help better our community of Rye.”  

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