Massachusetts Fire Academy Graduates Ian Helmick (left) and Chris O’Hara (right). (Photo Courtesy Massachusetts Department of Fire Services) 
From left: Deputy Matt Carroll, Chris O’Hara, Ian Helmick and Chief Don Stats pictured after the graduation ceremony. (Photo Courtesy North Reading Fire Department. 
North Reading Fire Department pictured from left to right after the ceremony: Lt. Adam Salemme, Lt. Tyler Samost, Captain Brian Nash, Deputy Matt Carroll, Chris O’Hara, Ian Helmick, Lt. Cory Harris, Chief Don Stats, Matt Enos, Nick Carney, Nathan DiMeco, Andrew Sievert, and Mark Potter. (Photo Courtesy North Reading Fire Department)
NORTH READING — Fire Chief Don Stats and the North Reading Fire Department would like to congratulate the department’s two Massachusetts Fire Academy graduates.
North Reading firefighters Chris O’Hara and Ian Helmick graduated as members of Career Recruit Class #338 during a ceremony on May 1.
The graduating class included 26 firefighters representing the departments of Andover, Ashland, Attleboro, Beverly, Chelmsford, Dover, Everett, Lawrence, Medford, Nantucket, North Reading, Revere, Southborough, Tewksbury, Wakefield, Walpole and Westford.
The Massachusetts Firefighting Academy’s 50-day Career Recruit Firefighting Training Program provides extensive instruction through classroom learning, hands-on skill development, and live fire training. Recruits are trained by experienced instructors and must demonstrate proficiency in life safety, search and rescue, ladder operations, water supply, pump operation, and fire attack under both non-fire and controlled fire conditions.
Firefighter Ian Helmick
Helmick is a 2008 graduate of Saugus High School. Following High School, he attended Salem State University, graduating with a degree in Theatre and a minor in History. Ian has worked in the private EMS field since 2020, earning his paramedic license, and was hired by the North Reading Fire Department on Sept. 23, 2025.
Firefighter Chris O’Hara
O’Hara is a 2009 graduate of Malden Catholic High School. Following high school, Chris attended Westfield State University, graduating in 2013 with a degree in Liberal Arts. He attended the ProEMS Center for Medics in 2023, graduating and earning his Paramedic license. O’Hara was hired by the North Reading Fire Department on Sept. 3, 2025.
Upon successful completion of the program, all graduates meet the national standards of NFPA 1010, Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications, and are certified to the levels of Firefighter I/II and Hazardous Materials First Responder Operations by the Massachusetts Fire Training Council.
In addition to fire suppression, recruits are trained to respond to a wide range of emergencies, including hazardous materials incidents, gas leaks, motor vehicle crashes, and technical rescues. They also receive instruction in fire behavior, public fire education, stress management, and self-rescue techniques.
“North Reading Fire is pleased to welcome these outstanding individuals into the Department,” said Chief Stats. “Each graduate brings with them a passion and commitment to serving their community. On behalf of the entire North Reading Fire Department, I would like to congratulate Firefighters Helmick and O’Hara for their completion of the Academy.”
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