Concord, NH — 5th January — With 11 participants—the largest class in the department's recent history—the Concord, New Hampshire Fire Department started a four-week recruit school. Three members were employed in the last few months, and the group consists of eight recently hired firemen. A significant milestone has also been reached with the start of the school: all fireman positions have been filled after a more than two-year recruitment shortfall.

A physical workout in the morning preceded training, which was followed by an orientation where chief officers and instructors explained expectations and requirements. After that, recruits were taught how to utilize face masks and self-contained breathing apparatuses, among other personal protection equipment. An introduction to fire behavior was given at the end of the day, laying the groundwork for future instruction in the coming weeks.