23 Begin Recruit Firefighter Training at State Academy of Fire Science

ALBANY, NY (02/28/2011)(readMedia)-- Twenty-three probationary career and volunteer firefighters today began the Recruit Firefighter Training (RFFT) Program at the State Office of Fire Prevention and Control's Academy of Fire Science in Montour Falls. The students come from 17 fire departments from across the State and comprise the Academy's 61st RFFT class.

"I commend these 23 individuals for their initiative and desire to give back to their communities by choosing this noble profession," State Fire Administrator Floyd A. Madison said. "I encourage them to study hard. The RFFT program is long and arduous but professionally rewarding for students who successfully complete it."

The RFFT class is 11 weeks long and includes more than 450 hours of intense training which meets and exceeds the provisions of the New York State standard for career probationary and non-permanent firefighters. Graduates of the program also receive national certification in Firefighter I, Firefighter II and Hazardous Materials Operations.

The 61st Recruit Firefighter Training Program class is comprised of the following students:

Brighton FD (Monroe County)

Steven Cline (volunteer)

Cortland FD (Cortland County)

Ray Everett

Gates FD (Monroe County)

Michael Dorgan (volunteer)

Mark St. Hilaire

Geneva FD (Ontario County)

James Bucklin

Ithaca Airport FD (Tompkins County)

Wayne Shuttle

Jamestown FD (Chautauqua County)

Daniel Balling

Joshua Benson

Kyle Sholl

Johnstown FD (Fulton County)

Jeremiah J. VanEvery

Kingston FD (Ulster County)

Aaron Bonesteel

Nicholas Cologero

Lackawanna FD (Erie County)

Anthony Caferro

Lake Shore FD (Monroe County)

Nicholas Howcraft

Laurelton FD (Monroe County)

John Zajac (volunteer)

Lockport FD (Niagara County)

Jonathan Kukavica

Massena FD (St. Lawrence County)

Walter Bean

Niagara Falls FD (Niagara County)

Dwon Daniels

John O'Malley

Ridge-Culver FD (Monroe County)

James Caracci

Ridge Road FD (Monroe County)

James Weber

Watertown FD (Jefferson County)

Chandler Crosby

Daniel Daugherty

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