Locals graduate from volunteer firefighter training program

LYNNFIELD – Three Lynnfield natives graduated from the Massachusetts Fire Academy’s Call/Volunteer Firefighter Training program last week. David Cumming, Gregory Davis and Matthew Thompson were three of 41 North Shore locals to successfully complete the program.This specific recruit training session was unique in that its schedule was based around that of an individual working a full-time job. Participants were able to take night and weekend courses, rather than dedicating a full 12 weeks of their lives like most career-firefighters do. The program was also held in area training facilities to better accommodate those living in suburban and rural areas. According to a released statement, bringing the training closer to the firefighters often means more firefighters can participate.Over the course of 180 hours, Cumming, Davis and Thompson were taught the skills required to fulfill their call of duty, when and if that moment should arise. They were given training on public fire education, incident command, hazardous material incident mitigation, search and rescue, flammable liquids, stress management, rappelling, water rescue procedures and many other important skills. They also endured physical fitness training, firefighter skills training and live firefighter practices.Their graduation now enables them to take an exam for certification to the level of Firefighter I or II by the Massachusetts Fire Training Council.