FAIRFIELD, CT — June 2: The graduation of students who finished the department's Senior Experience program—a practical endeavor aimed at introducing area high school seniors to careers in emergency services—was recently honored by Fairfield Fire Department members.

According to officials, participants learned the basics of emergency scene operations, vehicle extrication, emergency medicine, and firefighting over the course of a week. Students put on protective gear and experienced firsthand the situations and abilities faced by first responders.

Under the direction of Assistant Chief Gomola and Lieutenant Bassett from the department's training division, Firefighter Valenzano is in charge of the program. First Selectperson Bill Gerber of the Town of Fairfield was commended by department leaders for attending the graduation ceremony and encouraging students to pursue jobs in public safety.