2 Medina firefighters graduate from State Fire Academy
Photo from NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services: Medina firefighters Joe Kyle and Tiffany Petry graduated today from the NYS Fire Academy, a 15-week program.
MONTOUR FALLS – Two Medina firefighters, Tiffany Petry and Joe Kyle, graduated today from the State Fire Academy today in Montour Falls.
They were among 38 graduates in the 15-week Recruit Firefighter Training Program. Today’s graduates were part of the 90th class in the program.
The graduates came from 11 fire departments across the state. The 15-week residential program provides extensive fire service training in an environment like a full-time fire department.
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.
The 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.
Upon graduation, all the recruits will serve as career firefighters in their respective fire department and join 2,457 other graduates of this program.
“Congratulations to the graduates of the 90th Recruit Firefighter training class,” said Jackie Bray, commissioner of the NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. “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.”
A contingent from the Medina Fire Department attended the graduation, including Fire Chief Matt Jackson, Capt. Jonathan Higgins, Captain Michael Young and firefighter Adam Fisher.
Tiffany Petry received the Chief Thomas Margeit Memorial Physical Fitness Award. Margeit was the chief of the Lodi Fire Department and also the PT instructor at the Fire Academy in Montour Falls for more than 10 years.
