NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Four city firefighters graduated on Friday from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy's 50-day Career Recruit Firefighting Training Program.
Morgan Goodell, Michael Jordan, Mitchell Maselli and Ranen Rothman were among the 28 recruits in the class of S29 at the Springfield academy who represented 10 departments in Chicopee, East Longmeadow, Holden, Holyoke, Marlborough, North Adams, Northampton, Palmer, Southbridge and Springfield.
"First responders are on the frontlines protecting their communities, and these newest firefighters are needed now more than ever," said State Fire Marshal Ostroskey. "The rigorous professional training they've received provides them with the physical, mental, and technical skills to perform their jobs effectively and safely."
The students received classroom training in basic firefighter skills. They practiced first under non-fire conditions and then during controlled fire conditions. To graduate, students must demonstrate proficiency in life safety, search and rescue, ladder operations, water supply, pump operation, and fire attack. Fire attack operations range from mailbox fires to multiple-floor or multiple-room structural fires. Upon successful completion of the Recruit Program, all students have met the national standards of National Fire Protection Association 1001 and are certified to the level of Firefighter I and II, and Hazardous Materials First Responder Operational Level by the Massachusetts Fire Training Council, which is accredited by the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications.
At the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy, they are taught these skills and more, including the latest science of fire behavior and suppression tactics, from certified fire instructors. They also receive training in public fire education, hazardous material incident mitigation, flammable liquids, stress management, and self-rescue techniques. The 10-week program for municipal firefighters involves classroom instruction, physical fitness training, firefighter skills training, and live firefighting practice.
Ostroskey said today's firefighters do far more than fight fires. They train to respond to all types of hazards and emergencies. They are the first ones called to respond to chemical and environmental emergencies, ranging from the suspected presence of carbon monoxide to fentanyl overdoses or a gas leak. They may be called to rescue a child who has fallen through the ice or who has locked himself in a bathroom. They rescue people from stalled elevators and those who are trapped in vehicle crashes. They test and maintain their equipment including self-contained breathing apparatus, hydrants, hoses, power tools, and apparatus.
The academy, which marked its 50th anniversary last year, provides recruit and in-service training at three separate campuses in Stow, Springfield, and Bridgewater. To date, more than 14,000 firefighters have graduated from more than 450 classes.
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MassDOT Warns of Toll-fee Smishing Scam
BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation was alerted that a text message-based scam, also known as smishing, is fraudulently claiming to represent tolling agencies from across the country. The scammers are claiming to represent the tolling agency and requesting payment for unpaid tolls.
The targeted phone numbers seem to be chosen at random and are not uniquely associated with an account or usage of toll roads.
Customers who receive an unsolicited text, email, or similar message suggesting it is from EZDriveMA or another toll agency should not click on the link.
EZDriveMA customers can verify a valid text notification in several ways:
The FBI says it has received more than 2,000 complaints related to toll smishing scams since early March and recommends individuals who receive fraudulent messages do the following:
1. File a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov; be sure to include:
The phone number from where the text originated.
The website listed within the text
2. Check your account using the toll service's legitimate website.
3. Contact the toll service's customer service phone number.
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