Thirty firefighters recently graduated from Mercer County Fire Academy at the Dempster Fire Training Center.
According to James McCann, director of the fire academy, two classes completed the 180-hour New Jersey Firefighter 1 training program to become state-certified firefighters.
The daytime class was for members of the Princeton Fire Department, which included Princeton University employees who are also volunteer firefighters.
The evening class drew students from 11 fire companies around the region. Students work for Colonial Fire Co., DeCou Hose Co., East Windsor Fire Co. #1, Hightstown Fire Co. #1, Kendall Park Fire Co., Monmouth Junction Fire Co., Princeton Junction Fire Co., Prospect Heights Fire Co., Rusling Hose Fire Co., West Windsor Fire Co. and White Horse Fire Co.
McCann said participants who attain this level of training are well prepared to perform firefighting duties with their local fire companies.
“The successful completion of this rigorous academic and physical program shows the commitment of each of these students to serving others. We are proud of this hard-working group of firefighters,” McCann said in a statement.
The graduation ceremony featured guest speakers Harvey Bailey, president of the Mercer County Firemen’s Association, Dan Galatro Jr., president of the Mercer County Fire Chiefs Association, and Winston Maddox, MCCC dean of Business and Technology.
The Hightstown Engine Co. #1 Color Guard and the Hamilton Township Professional Firefighters Pipe & Drum Band performed.
Mercer County Fire Academy is directed by Mercer County Community College. The college offers an A.A.S. degree in Fire Science Technology, and certificates in Fire Code Enforcement and Fire Officer/Administrator.
More information is online at mccc.edu.
