FOSTER, RI — August 22 — Captain Mike Zagroski from the Foster Center Volunteer Fire Company was honored for completing the necessary steps to earn his NFPA 1041 Fire Service Instructor certification.The certificate presented by the company was awarded by the Rhode Island Fire Academy on June 23, 2026, in Bristol.

The NFPA 1041 program offered by the Rhode Island Fire Academy emphasized the skills required to teach from structured lesson plans, assess students, use instructional tools, and oversee both classroom and practical training.

The course also involved preparing and delivering teaching presentations, as well as assessing student performance.

According to NFPA guidelines, Fire and Emergency Services Instructors must be capable of providing effective instruction, creating suitable learning environments, evaluating student progress, planning lessons, and maintaining accurate records.

For the Foster Center Volunteer Fire Company, Zagroski’s certification has increased the number of qualified instructors available for training. His accomplishment helps ensure ongoing firefighter education, skill enhancement, and readiness within the company.