Canton Firefighter Mathew Pigeon earned his badge Friday, July 31, graduating from the Massachusetts Fire Academy's 50-day Career Recruit program at the Department of Fire Services' Bridgewater campus, Canton Patch reported.
Pigeon was one of 20 firefighters representing 12 departments in Career Recruit Class BW40. Over 50 days, recruits trained first under non-fire conditions, then in controlled burns, demonstrating proficiency in life safety, search and rescue, ladder operations, water supply, pump operation, and fire attack scenarios ranging from mailbox fires to multi-room structural blazes, according to Cape Cod News.
The program also covers public fire education, hazardous material incident response, flammable liquids, stress management, and self-rescue techniques. Graduates leave certified as Firefighter I and II and in Hazardous Materials First Responder Operations, credentials accredited by the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications. The certifications prepare graduates for emergencies beyond fires, including hazmat incidents, ice rescues, and vehicle extrications.
"The training he received during the 50-day program has provided him with the knowledge and skills needed to start protecting life and property in our community," Canton Fire Chief Jamie Meier said.
State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine said at the July 31 ceremony that graduates are needed now more than ever, citing the hundreds of hours of foundational training they received. The Richard N. Bangs Outstanding Student Award for Class BW40 went to Firefighter Jazmin Lacy of the Norton Fire Department.
The Massachusetts Fire Academy provides training free of charge to cities and towns and trains more than 13,000 firefighters across the Commonwealth annually. It operates campuses in Stow, Springfield, and Bridgewater.
Other departments represented in Pigeon's class included Bourne, Braintree, Hull, Lakeville, Norfolk, Norton, Sharon, Truro, Walpole, Wellfleet, and Yarmouth.
Upcoming Canton and Milton community events:
- Board of Health Meeting, Tuesday, Aug. 4, 6 p.m., 801 Washington St., 2nd Floor
- School Committee Meeting, Thursday, Aug. 6, 6 p.m., Rodman Early Childhood Program
- Select Board Meeting, Thursday, Aug. 6, 7 p.m., 801 Washington St.
- Conservation Commission Meeting, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 7 p.m., Pequitside Tavern, 79 Pleasant St.
- Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting, Thursday, Aug. 13, 6 p.m., 801 Washington St.
- Symbiosis K-12 Open House, Friday, Aug. 14, 4:30 p.m., 1060 Randolph St., Canton
- David Chesnut Jazz Festival, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2 p.m., Eustis Estate Museum, 1424 Canton Ave., Milton
