For Immediate Release

Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Whitman Firefighters Complete FEMA, State Emergency Preparedness Courses

WHITMAN — Chief Timothy J. Grenno is pleased to report that three firefighters have completed courses issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Department of Fire Services Massachusetts Fire Training Council to better operations at Whitman Fire-Rescue.

Firefighter Matthew Busch recently completed FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute’s independent study course, “An Introduction to Exercises.” The web-based, interactive, five-hour course is designed to give firefighters an overview on exercise creation, development and implementation within their department. Busch, who has been with Whitman Fire-Rescue since 2008, is the department’s EMS Coordinator and also a paramedic.

“Forms Used for the Development of the Incident Action Plan,” another web-based FEMA course, was completed by Lt. Robert Hover. The class, which focuses on the National Incident Management System’s Incident Command System (ICS), is tailored for department leaders who are expected to serve as command staff during an emergency situation. Lt. Hover, who has been with the department for over 30 years, is one of three lieutenants who serve as Chief Grenno’s command staff for Whitman Fire-Rescue.

Lt. Timothy Clancy also completed a course designed for command staff or those leading department exercises or instruction. On Nov. 29, Lt. Clancy was certified as a Fire Instructor 1 by the Department of Fire Services Massachusetts Fire Training Council. The course, which included 35 hours of classroom instruction and 25 hours of online coursework, certifies firefighters to formally teach firefighting principles outlined by the state to their respective departments. Lt. Clancy has served Whitman Fire-Rescue since 1997.

“I commend these firefighters for going above and beyond their call of duty to educate themselves and not only further their own careers, but also better equip our department,” Chief Grenno said. “The more our firefighters know, the better they can protect Whitman residents and communicate with one another.”

Chief Grenno recently completed FEMA’s National Fire Academy course, “Emergency Medical Services: Incident Operations,” which took place at the National Fire Academy Training Center in Emmitsburg, Maryland. The six-day course reviews the ICS and management techniques for medium to large situations, which, by definition, involves multiple people who are ill or injured in the incident.

All courses were completed at the end of 2016.

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