NORTHAMPTON, MA — March 6th — After 10 weeks of recruit training, three members of Northampton Fire Rescue recently received their degrees from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy. Sean Kirkendall, Eliya Petrie, and McKenzie Nichols completed the state-run program that trains new firemen for municipal duty. Fundamentals of firefighting, like as hose operations, ladder work, search and rescue, and firefighter safety, are taught at the academy. In order to develop practical skills and operational awareness, training also consists of classroom instruction and live-fire evolutions.

After completing their probationary training, graduates return to their home departments to answer calls while being supervised by more seasoned officers. As they continue to gain experience through daily operations and department training, Nichols, Petrie, and Kirkendall are anticipated to start working shifts in Northampton.