Fire Academy to Mark 50th Anniversary with Three Graduations Next Week
STOW — State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey and Massachusetts Firefighting Academy (MFA) leadership will observe the 50th anniversary of the MFA as they present certificates of completion to local firefighters graduating in Stow, Springfield, and Bridgewater next week.
The MFA will mark its 50th year with simultaneous graduation ceremonies at all three campuses on Friday, October 8, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. Created by an act of the Legislature on Oct. 7, 1971, the MFA provides recruit and in-service training to firefighters from across Massachusetts. It has grown from one location in Stow to three separate campuses serving communities statewide, graduating more than 10,000 firefighters in more than 420 classes.
Stow: 23 Graduates from 12 Fire Departments
The recruits of MFA Class #295 will graduate at the Stow campus and represent the fire departments of Burlington, Everett, Gloucester, Haverhill, Lawrence, Milford, Norwell, Stoughton, Wakefield, Watertown, Wilmington, and Wrentham. The Stow campus was the MFA’s first location and serves as the Department of Fire Services’ primary headquarters.
Date: Friday, October 8, 2021
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Place: 1 State Road, Stow, Massachusetts
Visuals: Honor guard and posting of colors
Photo Opportunity: Fire chiefs and local firefighter recruit graduates
Springfield: 19 Graduates from Eight Fire Departments
The recruits of MFA Class #S24 will graduate at the Springfield campus and represent the fire departments of Agawam, Chicopee, Milton, Pittsfield, Southwick, West Springfield, Westfield, and Weymouth. Dedicated in 2015, the six-acre Springfield campus is also home to the Springfield Fire Department’s training unit under a state/local partnership.
Date: Friday, October 8, 2021
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Place: 1 Grochmal Avenue, Springfield, Massachusetts
Visuals: Honor guard and posting of colors
Photo Opportunity: Fire chiefs and local firefighter recruit graduates
Bridgewater: 18 Graduates from 10 Fire Departments
The recruits of MFA Class #BW13 will graduate at the Bridgewater campus and represent the fire departments of Attleboro, Dedham, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Falmouth, Hingham, Holbrook, Lakeville, Norton, and Sharon. As the MFA’s most recent addition, the Bridgewater campus held its first graduation last year.
Date: Friday, October 8, 2021
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Place: 911 Conant Street, Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Location Note: There is no access from Flagg Street. Use GPS coordinates 41°57′4″ N 70°57′18″ W.
Visuals: Honor guard and posting of colors
Photo Opportunity: Fire chiefs and local firefighter recruit graduates
The ceremonies will be posted to the Department of Fire Services’ YouTube channel following their conclusions.
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