Thirty-one Begin Recruit Firefighter Training at State Academy of Fire Science

ALBANY, NY (07/25/2011)(readMedia)-- Thirty-one probationary career and volunteer firefighters have begun the Recruit Firefighter Training (RFFT) Program on Sunday at the State Office of Fire Prevention and Control's Academy of Fire Science in Montour Falls. The students come from 18 fire departments and comprise the Academy's 62nd RFFT class.

"I commend these 31 individuals for their initiative and desire to give back to their communities by choosing this noble profession," said Acting State Fire Administrator John F. Mueller. "The RFFT program is long and arduous. I encourage these new firefighters to study hard and give it their all. Those who successfully complete the training will find it professionally rewarding."

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 62nd Recruit Firefighter Training Program class is comprised of firefighters from the following fire departments: Auburn (Cayuga County), Canandaigua (Ontario County), Fairview/Poughkeepsie (Dutchess County), Fishers (Ontario County), Fort Drum (Jefferson County), Hornell (Steuben County), Jamestown (Chautauqua County), Johnstown (Fulton County), Lockport (Niagara County), Niagara Falls (Niagara County), North Tonawanda (Niagara County), Olean (Cattaraugus County), Oneida (Madison County) , Oneonta (Otsego County) , Plattsburgh (Clinton County), Pleasant Valley (Dutchess County), U.S. Coast Guard (Cape May, NJ) and West Webster (Monroe County).