York County Chiefs Association Shares Graduation of 2021 Fire Academy

ALFRED — The York County Chiefs’ Association is pleased to share the recent graduation of 20 students from a five-month basic and advanced firefighting skills academy.

Students participated in 240 hours of training at

the 2021 Fire Academy, resulting in Firefighter I and Firefighter II certification from the National Professional Qualifications Board.

The course follows curricula of the International Fire Service Training Association, written to standards set forth by the National Fire Protection Association. Training included classroom instruction and hands-on scenarios to reinforce best practices and techniques. Topics included fire prevention, firefighter safety, search and rescue, automobile extrication, ground ladders, fire suppression and other topics. 

Graduates received certificates at an in-person ceremony on Wednesday, July 7, at the academy classroom in Biddeford. The graduates, and their departments, are:

Zachary Audet, Biddeford

Morgan Berry, Saco

James Bove, Saco

Jack Cannon, Saco

Alex Cirillo, Old Orchard

Anthony Disanto, Goodwin’s Mills

Zach Face, Shapleigh

Matthew Fiore, Kittery

Tyler Hansen, Saco

Colby Heffernan, Biddeford

Wyatt Laprise, Goodwin’s Mills

Dalton Marriott, Alfred

Kolby Miller, Biddeford

Nicholas Moore, Sanford

Kaylee Norton, Saco

Brandon Parenteau, Biddeford

Hector Serrano, Kittery

Ron Smith, Limerick

Morgan Wass, Limerick

Kenneth White, Kezar Falls

Students received instruction from: Kennebunkport EMS Chief of Operations Joe Carroll, Biddeford Capt. Justin Cooper, Saco Capt. David Hamel, Kennebunk Firefighter Jeff Goodness, Biddeford Capt. Rob Lang, Biddeford Lt. Matt Leach, Saco Division Chief Raynald Legendre, Saco Deputy Chief Rob Martin, Dover Firefighter Matt McLean, Waterville Firefighter/EMT Al Nygren, Biddeford Lt. Derick Ouellette, Saco Firefighter/Paramedic Pat Sarto, Acton Lt. Harold Smith, and Portland Firefighter Dan Verrill.

During the graduation ceremony, guest speaker Chief Walter Morris, Programs Manager for the Maine Fire Service Institute, spoke about the fraternity of the fire service worldwide, and the impact the fire service has had on life safety in America. Chief Morris quoted Chief Edward Croker, who led the New York Fire Department at the turn of the 20th century: “I have no ambition in this world but one, and that is to be a fireman.”

Firefighter Smith, chosen by classmates as class speaker, spoke about the achievements and experiences the group gained throughout training.

Chief Legendre, the Academy’s Program Coordinator, spoke about the progress students made through their six months of training. He expressed his gratitude and thanked the families present for supporting their student. He praised and encouraged the graduates, adding, “Your training has just begun. This profession requires you to keep learning.”

The York County Chiefs Association wishes to express its sincere thanks to DSM MB II, LLC, owners of Market Basket, for donating the use of its property at 118 Shops Way,  Biddeford, as the classroom and training area for the 2021 Fire Academy class.