Medina’s Austin Mosher among 37 graduates of NY’s fire academy

MEDINA – Austin Mosher, a Medina firefighter, is part of the new graduating class from the State’s Recruit Firefighter Training program at the Office of Fire Prevention and Control’s Academy of Fire Science in Montour Falls.

Austin Mosher

Mosher, 19, was hired as a career firefighter for Medina on Feb. 15, after volunteering the previous 18 months with the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company.

The 86th Recruit Firefighter Training class represents graduates from 18 different fire departments across the state.

The rigorous 15-week residential program provides extensive fire service training in an environment similar to a full-time fire department. Upon graduation, all recruits will begin to serve as career firefighters in their respective fire department.

“Today’s ceremony celebrates the achievements of New York’s newest career firefighters as they begin their path in public service to protect their fellow New Yorkers,” said Jackie Bray, commissioner of NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. “Following the completion of the Academy’s course, these firefighters have the necessary training and are well-equipped with the knowledge to keep our communities safe from fire danger and the many emergencies they are asked to respond to day in and day out.”

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 receive national certification from the National Board of Fire Service Professional Qualifications in Firefighter I, Firefighter II and Hazardous Materials Operations.

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.