Over 20 Dutchess County Volunteer Firefighters Recognized by NYS Office of Fire and Prevention Control

Poughkeepsie…Twenty-four Dutchess County volunteer firefighters, representing 14 departments, were recognized on November 30th by the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control at a special graduation ceremony held at Dutchess Community College in the Town of Poughkeepsie. The firefighters, ranging in age from 16 to 50 years old, were acknowledged for completing the Firefighter 1 program, a basic training course for new volunteer firefighters in New York State. The part-time program consists of 35 separate sessions, totaling 104 hours of training over a three month period. The graduation included students from the summer and fall 2015 training sessions.

County Executive Marc Molinaro said, “Congratulations to Dutchess County’s 24 newest firefighters. These brave men and women demonstrate the continued selfless commitment by residents in our community to safeguard the lives of others. I join with our Department of Emergency Response, the training instructors, participating fire departments, and friends and family, in congratulating the most recent graduates of the Firefighter 1 program.”

The Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response coordinates firefighter training programs on behalf of New York State and ensures the use of appropriate training facilities and administrative functions associated with the trainings. Graduates of the Firefighter 1 training program represent two classes, one which was held at the Department of Emergency Response and one at the East Fishkill Fire District Training Center.

“It is an honor and a privilege to be able to recognize the fine achievements and dedication of the brave men and women in our county who have chosen to serve as volunteer firefighters. I join with County Executive Molinaro in expressing our thanks to these graduates and all our firefighters for their many sacrifices,” said Commissioner of the Department of Emergency Response Dana Smith.

Ken Roman, Dutchess County Legislator and Chairman of the Public Safety Committee said, “Our firefighters devote their lives to protecting others and educating residents and their families on how to implement fire safety in their homes. I offer my best to the recent graduates of the Firefighter 1 training program and thank them for their voluntary service and many sacrifices to keep our community safe.”