Bridgewater, NJ — 15th January — Shaun McMorrow and Shravan Naarayan, probationary members of the Country Hills Volunteer Fire Company, were accepted into the Somerset County Emergency Services Training Academy to begin Firefighter I training.

About 210 hours of classroom instruction and hands-on skill training make up the Firefighter I curriculum. Fireground safety, hose and ladder operations, search methods, ventilation, and basic fire suppression are all covered in the coursework. Members who successfully complete the program are eligible to work as inside firefighters. A fundamental prerequisite for operational service in New Jersey is Firefighter I certification. In order to maintain readiness and prepare new members, volunteer departments rely on organized training programs. It is anticipated that both recruits will finish the program in the upcoming months and carry on assisting with departmental activities.