Three recruits from Mattapoisett and two from Marion were among 30 graduates of the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy Call/Volunteer Recruit Firefighter Training Program.

Steven Rodriguez and Luke Still, representing the Marion Fire Department, and Chaunte Gibson, Cory Grodski and Drew Weaver, representing the Mattapoisett Fire Department, received certificates of completion at a ceremony held Nov. 1 in Fall River. 

Their graduation was announced by State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey and Deputy State Fire Marshal Maribel Fournier, acting director of the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy.

“First responders are on the front lines of any crisis and these newest firefighters are needed now more than ever,” said Fournier. “The rigorous training they’ve completed provides them with the fundamental skills and knowledge necessary to protect their communities safely and effectively.”

 The Call/Volunteer Firefighter Recruit Training Program delivers a standard recruit training curriculum that meets national standards on nights and weekends to accommodate the schedule of firefighters in suburban and rural areas, the fire marshal’s office reported.

 Graduates have completed 240 hours of training on nights and weekends.

Upon successful completion of this program, all students have met the standards of National Fire Protection Association 1001. In addition, they have the ability to become certified to the level of Firefighter I and II and Hazardous Materials First Responder Operations Level by the Massachusetts Fire Training Council, which is accredited by the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications.