Eight Jamestown firefighters are among the 38 most recent graduates of the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services recruit firefighter training program in Montour Falls.

Graduates come from 11 fire departments across the state, representing the academy’s 90th Recruit Firefighter Training class. The 15-week residential program provides fire service training in an environment like a full-time fire department. Upon graduation, all the recruits will serve as career firefighters in their respective fire department, joining 2,457 other graduates of this program.

Local firefighters graduating include Nolan Emerson, Matthew Golombek, Sarah Hanlon, Colin Melquist, Walker Perry, Michael Scalise, Christopher Szatkowski and Lucas Willink.

“Congratulations to the graduates of the 90th Recruit Firefighter training class,” said Jackie Bray, state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services commissioner. “You join the thousands of firefighters across New York State who risk their lives day in and day out to protect New Yorkers from fire danger and other emergencies. Thank you for your commitment to public safety and your service to your local communities. I wish all of the graduates godspeed as career firefighters in the fire service.”

The Office of Fire Prevention and Control’s Recruit Firefighter Training Program provides basic training for recently hired career firefighters, as well as volunteer firefighters. During the 15-week program, recruits participate in more than 600 hours of training in both classroom and practical settings. Classes focus on areas such as structural, vehicle and flammable liquid firefighting, emergency vehicle operations, hazardous material emergency incident and basic rescue technician operations. Recruits also participate in daily physical fitness training in preparation for the Candidate Physical Ability Test. Upon completion, graduates will have received national certification from the National Board of Fire Service Professional Qualifications in Firefighter I, Firefighter II and Hazardous Materials Operations. In addition, they received completion in nearly 30 courses offered by the Office of Fire Prevention and Control.

Graduates received training in areas such as operating aerial devices; traffic incident management to keep firefighters safe on roadways; health and safety; firefighter rescue; hazardous materials response, and technical rescue. During the training program, students use iPads to provide them with greater access and flexibility to testing, as well as study materials.

“Congratulations to each of the firefighters graduating from the Recruit Firefighter Training program, said James Cable, New York State Fire administrator. “It represents an important step which lays the foundation for their career in the fire service. As the challenges facing the fire service are ever evolving, I encourage them to continue to seek out and take advantage of opportunities to further their fire service education and training.”