NORTH READING — Fire Chief Don Stats is very pleased to report that two new North Reading firefighters graduated Friday from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy.
Firefighters Jason and Liam Tannian, brothers, were two of 30 graduates from 17 Massachusetts fire departments from Class #316 of the 50-day Career Recruit Firefighting Training Academy.
Their father, North Reading Fire Captain Michael Tannian was on-hand to assist Chief Stats during the presentation of the new firefighters at the ceremony at the State Fire Academy in Stow on Friday morning.
“I am extraordinarily proud to welcome a new generation of firefighters to our community in North Reading,” Chief Stats said. “Jason and Liam Tannian have prepared their whole lives for a career in service to their community, and it gives me a great sense of civic pride to stand alongside their dad, a leader in our department.”
Added State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine: “Massachusetts firefighters are on the frontlines protecting their communities every day, and today’s graduates are needed now more than ever. The hundreds of hours of foundational training they’ve received will provide them with the physical, mental, and technical skills to perform their jobs effectively and safely.”
Today’s firefighters are community leaders, medical professionals, safety officers and prevention experts. Modern firefighters train for and respond to all types of hazards and emergencies. They are the first ones called to respond to chemical and environmental emergencies, ranging from the suspected presence of carbon monoxide to gas leaks to industrial chemical spills. They may be called to rescue a child who has fallen through the ice, an office worker stuck in an elevator, or a motorist trapped in a crashed vehicle.
They test and maintain their equipment, including self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), hydrants, hoses, power tools, and apparatus.
“Through consistent classroom instruction and practical exercises, today’s graduates have developed the tools they’ll need to work seamlessly with veteran firefighters in their home departments and in neighboring communities as mutual aid,” said Massachusetts Firefighting Academy Director Jeffrey P. Winn.
The graduating firefighters of Class #316 represent the fire departments of Amesbury, Bedford, Boxborough, Lawrence, Leominster, Lowell, Middleborough, Nantucket, North Reading, Northborough, Norwell, Peabody, Revere, Sharon, Stoneham, Sudbury, and Winthrop.
The students received classroom training in all basic firefighter skills. They practiced first under non-fire conditions and then during controlled fire conditions. To graduate, students must demonstrate proficiency in life safety, search and rescue, ladder operations, water supply, pump operation, and fire attack. Fire attack operations range from mailbox fires to multiple-floor or multiple-room structural fires. Upon successful completion of the Career Recruit Program, all students have met the national standards of NFPA 1001, Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications, and are certified to the levels of Firefighter I/II and Hazardous Materials First Responder Operations by the Massachusetts Fire Training Council, which is accredited by the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications.
Firefighters Jason and Liam Tannian will now join the department as fully trained firefighters. They will be assigned a shift and join their crews immediately.
