There will be some new faces hanging around the fire stations and on the scene in Marion and Mattapoisett, as six firefighters graduated from the Massachusetts Fire Academy on Nov. 4 at the Fall River Fire headquarters.

From Mattapoisett, Firefighters Chapman Dickerson, Daniel Cortes, Kailyn Days, Troy Durr and David Stewart were amongst the 33 graduates of Class 087 at the ceremony. 

“It’s a great thing” to have new members of the team, Mattapoisett Fire Chief Andrew Murray said. “All five are going to be complementary to our staff and hopefully serve our community for many years to come.”

Cortes was the recipient of the Martin McNamara Award for Outstanding Student for his exemplary practical skills during drills, his academics, and achievements during his time at the academy. The award is named after Martin McNamara, a Lancaster firefighter who died in the line of duty in 2003.

Marion Firefighter Ronnie Scott Owens was also amongst the graduating class.

"I'd like to congratulate Firefighter Owens on his commitment to his training and his graduation from the Academy this week," Chief Brian Jackvony said. "The comprehensive training that recruits receive at the Academy ensures that they are well prepared with the skills and knowledge they need to serve their community."

To graduate, firefighters were required to 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 structural fires. 

Combined with Marion and Mattapoisett, 14 fire departments were represented from Avon, Berkley, Dartmouth-District 1, Dartmouth-District 3, Dighton, Freetown, Halifax, Lakeville, Plympton, Raynham, Wareham, and Westport.