MERRIMAC — Chief Larry Fisher and the Merrimac Fire Department are pleased to welcome two new firefighters following their graduation from the Massachusetts Fire Academy’s Call/Volunteer Firefighter Recruit Training Program.
Firefighter/EMTs Gabriel Ricker and Garrett King graduated from the Massachusetts Fire Academy’s Call/Volunteer Firefighter Recruit Training Program on Wednesday, March 1.
Gabriel Ricker currently works per-diem shifts for Merrimac Fire and works as a dispatcher for Merrimac Police.
Garrett King is new to the fire service and joined Merrimac Fire about six months ago.
During the 16-week training, firefighters learned the basic skills they will need when responding to fires, including how to contain and control fires, public fire education, hazardous material incident mitigation, flammable liquid control, stress management, firefighter self-rescue and vehicle extrication.
In order to graduate, firefighters must complete 240 hours of training, all on nights and weekends, while demonstrating proficiency in life safety, search and rescue, ladder operations, water supply, pump operation and fire attack in situations ranging from mailbox fires to multiple-floor or multi-room structure fires.
Both Ricker and King have earned Firefighter I/II training. Ricker has received EMT certification and King is currently in the beginning stages of obtaining certification to become a per-diem EMT.
“I am always supportive of our members in seeking education and building their skills. This approach has helped build a team of skilled firefighters and EMTs for our department,” said Chief Fisher. “Our team is growing, but more importantly, supporting each other. This formula leads to success in most cases but is easily seen when engaging our staff. Teamwork is how we will succeed, but also what I ask each new member to understand as part of the mission. The Academy further supports these ideals along with the necessary base skills when starting to become a productive firefighter.”
About The Massachusetts Firefighting Academy:
At the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy, firefighter recruits learn a wide range of skills in an intensive four-month program. Certified and more experienced firefighters lead classroom instruction, physical fitness training, firefighter skills training and firefighting practice. Students are given training in public fire education, hazardous material incident mitigation, flammable liquids, stress management, confined space rescue techniques and rappelling. Upon successful completion of the Recruit Program, all the students have met national standards of National Fire Protection Association 1001.
###