Rockport Fire Department Congratulates Graduate from State Academy

For Immediate Release

Friday, June 5, 2015

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

Contact: Jessica Sacco
Phone: 978-769-5193
Email: jessica@jgpr.net

Rockport Fire Department Congratulates Graduate from State Academy

ROCKPORT — Chief James Doyle and the Rockport Fire Department would like to congratulate firefighter Michael Elwell for completing the 52nd Massachusetts Firefighting Academy (MFA) Call/Volunteer Firefighter Recruit Training Program.

Elwell, a Rockport resident and member of the Sandy Bay Engine Company, is one of 40 graduates who finished the course. Firefighters celebrated their accomplishments during a ceremony at Pentucket Regional High School Thursday night.

“I commend firefighter Elwell for taking the time to further his skill set and I congratulate him on this momentous achievement,” Chief Doyle said. “His training will be a great benefit to the department during emergency situations and allow us to better serve our community.”

Men and women from 21 fire departments across the Commonwealth participated in the fire program, which is designed to give call and volunteer firefighters formal and consistent training from certified fire instructors at the MFA.

To graduate, firefighters were required to demonstrate proficiency in life safety, search and rescue, ladder operations, water supply, pump operation and fire attack (ranging from mailbox fires to multiple-floor or multi-room structural fires).

Call and volunteer firefighters began the academy in late January. They met twice a week in the evenings and on weekends to complete more than 240 hours of both classroom and hands-on training. Firefighters learned the basic skills they need to respond to fires including how to contain and control them, public fire education, hazardous material incident mitigation, flammable liquids, stress management, firefighter self-rescue and vehicle extrication.

Recently, the MFA implemented an online format that helps students better control their workload. The online program gives students the opportunity to complete more work outside of class, take quizzes online and spend more time practicing skills with instructors.

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