Close to 50 Dutchess County Volunteer Firefighters Recognized by NYS Office of Fire and Prevention Control

Poughkeepsie…Forty-six Dutchess County volunteer firefighters, representing 19 local fire departments, were recognized last night by the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control at a graduation ceremony held at Dutchess Community College in the Town of Poughkeepsie.  The new firefighters completed the spring 2017 Firefighter I program, a basic training course for new volunteer firefighters in New York State. The part-time program consists of 43 separate sessions, totaling 129 hours of training over a three-month period, held at the Dutchess County Emergency Response campus.

Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro said, “Congratulations to the 46 men and women who recently completed the Firefighter I program. All of the graduates are to be commended for their selfless decision to serve their community in this lifesaving capacity. We join with the Department of Emergency Response, family, loved ones, training instructors, and participating fire departments in thanking all of our firefighters for their commitment to their fellow neighbors in their community and throughout Dutchess County.”

The Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response coordinates firefighter training programs on behalf of New York State and provides appropriate training facilities and administrative functions associated with the trainings.

“We are grateful for the brave men and women who’ve answered the call to serve their community as firefighters, risking their lives to save others. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of the Firefighter I program graduates, their families and their instructors,” said Commissioner of the Department of Emergency Response Dana Smith.