CHICOPEE, MA. — June 1 — Chief Stamborski of the Chicopee Fire Department was present for the graduation of Career Recruit Firefighter Class S45 from the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services Firefighting Academy. Roman Tikhonchuk and Jake Flaucher, two probationary firefighters, were among the graduates of the state's entry-level firefighter training program. To prepare recruits for career service, the school offered classroom instruction, live-fire drills, emergency response training, and firefighter safety education.

As they started serving the Chicopee community, both firefighters achieved a significant milestone, which was acknowledged by department authorities. By bringing in freshly trained firemen equipped to handle a variety of emergency situations in a safe and efficient manner, their graduation also improved the department's operational preparedness.