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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