The graduating class is the 196th to graduate from the academy's 60-day recruit firefighting program.
View full sizeMembers of the newest graduating class at the state Firefighting Academy.STOW - Nine area residents were among 67 firefighters to graduate from the state Firefighting Academy during a ceremony Friday afternoon at the state Department of Fires Services facility.
The graduating class is the 196th to graduate from the academy’s 60-day recruit firefighting program.
State Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan said “This rigorous professional training provides our newest firefighters with the basic skills to perform their jobs effectively and safely.”
The academy, a part of the state Division of Fire Services, is offered tuition free to firefighters across the state.
Local graduates were Ari J. Kasal, Thomas F. Messer and William L. Messer of Amherst, William F. Houle of East Longmeadow, John R. Martin of Greenfield, Ryan A. Bateman, Mark A. Lagamoniere and John L. Reardon of Ware, and Phillip L. Prouty of Westfield.