Governor Cuomo Congratulates Graduates of States Firefighter Recruit Training Program

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today congratulated the 19 graduates of the Recruit Firefighter Training (RFFT) Program at the State Office of Fire Prevention and Controls Academy of Fire Science in Montour Falls. The students come from 13 fire departments and represent the Academys 66th RFFT class.

As we recognize Fire Prevention Week, I am pleased to announce that these nineteen individuals have graduated from the States rigorous firefighter training program, preparing them for the critically important service they will provide, Governor Cuomo said. Since 1984, over 1,700 recruits have successfully completed this training. I applaud the brave men and women who have taken up the call to serve by ensuring the safety and security of their fellow New Yorkers in communities across the State.

The RFFT class is 11 weeks long and includes more than 450 hours of intense training that exceeds the provisions of the New York State standard for career probationary and non-permanent firefighters. Graduates of the program also receive national certification in Firefighter I, Firefighter II and Hazardous Materials Operations.

Jerome M. Hauer, Commissioner, New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services said, Training is such an essential and important facet of ensuring our States firefighters are properly prepared for any challenge they face once they actively engage in their chosen profession. These recruits, like the hundreds before them, will return to their communities with a far better understanding of how to respond to any emergency and provide the service that their fellow citizens need.

Bryant D. Stevens, New York State Fire Administrator said, The RFFT program is long and arduous but professionally rewarding for students who successfully complete it. I congratulate these firefighters for their hard work and dedication and wish them the best in their careers."

On October 8th, Governor Cuomo commemorated the 16th Annual Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony by issuing two proclamations honoring the States career and volunteer firefighters. The Governors proclamations marked October 8 as the annual Firefighter Appreciation Day, and October 6-12 as New Yorks annual Fire Prevention Week.

The 66th Recruit Firefighter Training Program class is comprised of the following firefighters:

ARLINGTON F.D. (Dutchess Co.)Joseph M. CruzChristopher D. Rinck

BRIGHTON F.D. (Monroe Co.)Casey J. Lynk

CORTLAND F.D. (Cortland Co.)Travis J. Marshall

GATES F.D. (Monroe Co.)Jared Kase

HERKIMER F.D. (Herkimer Co.)Kenneth M. Scanlon

HOPEWELL F.D. (Ontario Co.)Scott D. Brotherton

JOHNSON CITY F.D. (Broome Co.)Jared R. MinkKevin Shoemaker

LAKE MOHEGAN F.D. (Westchester Co.)Stephen J. Myllek

NIAGARA FALLS F.D. (Niagara Co.)Stephen V. BaroneDavid P. SoperRobert T. Swartz

NORTH GREECE F.D. (Monroe Co.)Scott W. McCaffertyAnthony M. Militello

NORTH TONAWANDA F.D. (Niagara Co.)Nicholas M. JohnsonJames M. Urban, Jr.

ONEIDA F.D. (Madison Co.)Donald J. Premo

RIDGE-CULVER F.D. (Monroe Co.)Lucas W. Burkovich