SOUTHWICK – Five Southwick firefighters graduated from the Massachusetts Fire Academies Firefighter I/II program on Monday evening at the Mass Department of Fire Services campus in Springfield. The Southwick graduates were Rosie Lacas, Josh Girard, Nick Hope, Shane Hope, and Anthony Caracciolo.
A total of 25 firefighters graduated from 15 departments throughout Western Massachusetts.
According to Southwick Fire Chief Russ Anderson, it is Southwick’s largest graduating class to ever go through the Mass Fire Academy. Anderson was very pleased to see a large group of firefighter’s graduate.
“I was very proud to see the members graduate, it’s been a long four months for them,” said Anderson. “They spent a lot of time and a lot of dedication making this their priority.”
Beginning in July, firefighters in the academy had to go through 240 hours of education about fire service discipline, which also included live fire exercises.
Southwick Fire Department personnel pose for a picture with the five Southwick firefighters who graduated from the Massachusetts Fire Academies Firefighter I/II program. (Photo courtesy of Southwick Fire Department)
This accomplishment is also a benefit for the Southwick Fire Department as the recent graduates will now be able to take on the role of a complete firefighter. They will be able to enter buildings and take part in live fires.
Besides graduating from the program, Rosie Lacas was also recognized and presented with the Martin H. McNamara Award. The award is in honor of Martin H. McNamara, who was a Massachusetts firefighter that died while battling a house fire in November 2003. It exemplifies an individual in the Mass Fire Academy who showcases exceptional academic and practical proficiencies.
Anderson spoke for the fire department about Lacas’s accomplishment.
“We’re extremely excited and proud of her receiving that award,” said Anderson.
The Southwick fire chief also added that the graduation certificate will give the individuals the opportunity to take any more educational trainings or classes if they choose to do so.
