Concord Firefighter Named Outstanding Recruit By Fire Academy

CONCORD, MA — Concord firefighter Michael DeRoche was honored at his Massachusetts Firefighting Academy graduation last week. DeRoche was named an "outstanding recruit," and given the Richard N. Bangs Award.

DeRoche graduated in the 279th class in the academy and represented Concord. He was among the 35 graduates representing 20 departments to graduate from the MFA's Career Recruit Firefighter Training Class 279. Graduates were recognized at a ceremony at the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services headquarters in Stow.

Modern firefighters are the first ones called to respond to chemical and environmental emergencies, ranging from the suspected presence of carbon monoxide to a gas leak. They may be called to rescue a child who has fallen through the ice or who has locked himself in a bathroom. They rescue people from stalled elevators and those who are trapped in vehicle crashes. They test and maintain their equipment including self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), hydrants, hoses, power tools and apparatus.

The 10-week program teaches the essentials of fire and non-fire conditions, life safety, search and rescue, ladder operations, water supply, pump operation and fire attack. They also undergo rigorous training in areas like hazardous materials mitigation, stress management, confined space rescue techniques and more