Utica Fire Academy graduates complete 14 weeks of training

Lina Portman7 days ago

1 1 minute read

The 44th class of the Utica Fire Academy received their regalia Friday, ready to move on and serve their communities.

Founded in 2004 by former Fire Chief Russell Brooks, the Utica Fire Academy is a 14-week program providing basic and specialized training.

“It’s been a pleasure to watch these graduates grow over the last 14 weeks,” said Utica Fire Chief Scott Ingersol. “I can’t wait to see them come back and see how far they’ve come.”

The following fire departments sent their firefighters for training, with a total of 30 graduates:

Amsterdam Fire Department
Auburn Fire Department
Cohoes Fire Department
Fayetteville Fire Department
Glens Falls Fire Department
Gloversville Fire Department
Ilion Fire Department
Oneonta Fire Department
Rome Fire Department
Saratoga Fire Department
Schenectady Fire Department
Nova Scotia Fire Department
Tonawanda Fire Department
Utica Fire Department

The graduation ceremony was held at the Mohawk Valley Community Campus in Utica.

Local, state and county officials, including Utica Mayor Michael Galime and Rep. Marianne Buttenschon, were in attendance.

“I want to emphasize that there are 30 people on stage today – 30 people who have prepared their minds and bodies for a long journey as firefighters,” Galime said. “And this academy in Utica, several times a year, presents a group of people who are ready to serve. And not just in Utica, but across the state. It’s truly unique. Three recruits are joining the Utica Fire Department. The other 90 percent will be training across the state, protecting and serving their communities in every capacity.”

Lina Portman

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