ALFRED — The York County Chiefs Association is proud to report the success of a five-month training in basic and advanced firefighting skills that will prepare graduates for modern fire service.
Twenty students completed the training in Firefighter 1 & 2 skills, which was held from Jan. 11 to May 25 both in Biddeford and in online classes.
Following classroom instruction, students participated in numerous hands-on scenarios to reinforce best practices and techniques. Hands-on training included Ladders, Tactical Ventilation, Forcible Entry, Structural Search, Fire Control, Vehicle Extrication, Vehicle Fires, Class B Burn and Structural Burn, and Hazardous Materials Response.
Students received instruction from: Kennebunkport EMS Chief of Operations Joe Carroll, Biddeford Capt. Justin Cooper, Saco Capt. David Hamel, Kennebunk Firefighter Jeff Goodness, Biddeford Capt. Rob Lang, Biddeford Lt. Matt Leach, Saco Division Chief Raynald Legendre, Saco Deputy Chief Rob Martin, Dover Firefighter Matt McLean, Waterville Firefighter/EMT Al Nygren, Biddeford Lt. Derick Ouellette, Saco Firefighter/Paramedic Pat Sarto, Acton Lt. Harold Smith, and Portland Firefighter Dan Verrill.
Graduates will report to stations in the Alfred, Biddeford, Goodwin’s Mills, Old Orchard Beach, Kittery, Kezar Falls, Limerick, Saco, Sanford and Shapleigh Fire Departments.
“The graduates have excelled in learning both the basics of fire service and of a wide range of operational duties,” said Nathan Schools, York County Chiefs Association President and Buxton Fire Rescue Chief. “By earning Firefighter 1 & 2 certification, graduates have shown they can perform at a high level and are prepared to become the best firefighter they can be.”