Three Stow Firefighters Graduate from Call/Volunteer Training

STOW — Acting Fire Chief John Benoit is pleased to announce the graduation of three Stow Fire Department Firefighters from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy Call/ Volunteer training program.

Firefighters Richard Falcione, Timothy Benoit, and Cameron Bower are among 29 graduates from the MFA’s Call/Volunteer Training Class 94, which officially graduated from the training program Tuesday. Graduates received certificates of completion at a ceremony held at the Department of Fire Services in Stow. 

During the 16-week training program participants learn the basic skills needed to respond to emergencies, including lessons on fire behavior and suppression, public fire education, flammable liquids, hazardous material incident mitigation, stress management and self-rescue techniques. 

The program involves classroom instruction, physical fitness training, firefighter skills training, and live firefighting practice. 

Graduates of the program complete 240 hours of training on nights and weekends. To graduate students must demonstrate proficiency in live safety, search and rescue, ladder operations, water supply, pump operation, and fire attack. Upon completion of this training, recruits have also met the standard of National Fire Protection Association 1001.   

“The training provided by the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy is both challenging and essential. It teaches skills every firefighter needs to do their job safely, professionally, and as a member of a team," said Chief Benoit. "I congratulate these firefighters on their achievement, and look forward to working with them as they use their skills and training to keep Stow safe."

Other graduates of Class 94 represent the fire departments of Ashby, Athol, Ayer, Douglas, Leicester, Lynnfield, Medway, Millville, New Braintree, Pepperell, Sherborn, Tyngsborough, and West Brookfield.

Firefighters