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Two members of the Marblehead Fire Department have graduated from the state’s intensive firefighting academy, Fire Chief Jason Gilliland announced.
Firefighters Jeremy Gillis and Kyle Pettinelli successfully completed the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy’s Career Recruit Firefighting Training Program, Class #S43, in Springfield.
The 50-day program, which concluded with a formal graduation ceremony, tests recruits against rigorous national standards required to serve as career firefighters in Massachusetts.
“Firefighters Gillis and Pettinelli have demonstrated dedication, discipline, and professionalism throughout this demanding training,” Gilliland said. “Their successful completion of the academy reflects their commitment to public service and strengthens the Marblehead Fire Department’s ability to protect our community.”
During the 10-week program, recruits received classroom instruction and hands-on training in life safety, search and rescue, ladder operations, water supply, pump operations, and fire attack under live-fire conditions. The curriculum also covered hazardous materials response, modern fire behavior, stress management, and self-rescue techniques.
By graduating, Gillis and Pettinelli earned Firefighter I/II certification and Hazardous Materials First Responder Operations certification through the Massachusetts Fire Training Council.
Gilliland said the department welcomes the firefighters as they begin their service to the residents and visitors of Marblehead.
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