26 new firefighters graduated on Friday from the State’s Recruit Firefighter Training program at the Office of Fire Prevention and Control’s Academy of Fire Science in Montour Falls. Graduates come from 14 fire departments across the state, representing the Academy’s 91st Recruit Firefighter Training class. The 15-week residential program provides extensive fire service training in an environment like a full-time fire department. Upon graduation, all the recruits will serve as career firefighters in their respective fire departments.
“New York’s firefighters risk their lives every time they put on their uniforms to keep their communities safe from fire dangers and other emergencies,” New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said. “Congratulations to these graduates and thank you for your service and your commitment to public safety.”
The Office of Fire Prevention and Control’s Recruit Firefighter Training Program provides basic training for recently hired career firefighters, as well as volunteer firefighters. During the 15-week program, recruits participate in more than 600 hours of training in both classroom and practical settings. Classes focus on areas such as structural, vehicle and flammable liquid firefighting, emergency vehicle operations, hazardous material emergency incident and basic rescue technician operations. Recruits also participate in daily physical fitness training in preparation for the Candidate Physical Ability Test. Upon completion, graduates will have received national certification from the National Board of Fire Service Professional Qualifications in Firefighter I, Firefighter II, and Hazardous Materials Operations.
Graduates received training in areas such as operating aerial devices, traffic incident management to keep firefighters safe on roadways, health and safety, firefighter rescue, hazardous materials response, and technical rescue. During the training program, students use iPads to provide them with greater access and flexibility to testing, as well as study materials.
The following firefighters graduated from the 91st Recruit Firefighter Training Program:
| Name | Home Fire Department |
| Kalan C. Knickerbocker | Corning FD |
| Leonard D. Modelewski | Dewitt FD |
| Garrett H. Sawyer | Dewitt FD |
| Jaxson P. Pencek | Dunkirk FD |
| Steven E. Zentz | Dunkirk FD |
| Christopher M. Burrell | Elmira FD |
| Joseph M. Ducot | Elmira FD |
| Jared A. Moore | Elmira FD |
| Aiden K. Reese | Elmira FD |
| Jacob T. Euell | Fairview FD |
| John P. Schlusser V | Fairview FD |
| Bryce R. Fisher | Fredonia FD |
| Steven J. Gitto | Glens Falls FD |
| Paul J. Lindsay | Glens Falls FD |
| Ryan K. Ward | Glens Falls FD |
| Andrew J. Sherwood | Harrison FD |
| Justin D. Morse | Hornell FD |
| Drew R. Hurd | Ithaca FD |
| Gary Laskowsky | Ithaca FD |
| Peter R. Verfuss | Ithaca FD |
| Richard B. Young | Ithaca FD |
| Samantha S. Carr | Ithaca Airport FD |
| Nathaniel F. Bressard | Massena FD |
| Robert J. Betanzos III | Monticello FD |
| Logan F. Abbott | Oswego FD |
| Noah I. Pryor | Oswego FD |
