2012 Spring Fire 1 Graduation

 
By Fire Chief Frank Dowlin
June 14, 2012
 

On Thursday evening June 14, 2012 officers and member traveled to the Wagontown Fire Company for graduation ceremonies of the spring fire classes. Four members would be graduating this evening from the Firefighting 1 class; they are Firefighters Brittanie Brown, Antonio Colon, Charles Johnston, and Jack Robinson.

Firefighter I is a 172 hour "recruit" level basic firefighting course. The goal of the course is to provide a person with little or no previous fire service training or experience with the basic knowledge and skills required to function safely and effectively as a member of a fire suppression team functioning in today's environment. Students also received training in HazMat Operations, CPR/AED, and Structural Burn. The final test is for the PA State Volunteer certification and National Firefighter I.

The Chester County Department of Emergency Services holds graduation ceremony's two time a year once for spring classes and ones for fall classes. At the graduation county officials get a chance to thank cadets for the time and dedication to the program. Ever graduation has a keynote speaker this graduations speaker is a veteran of the fire service from West Grove Fire Company Chief Robert Weer , Chief Weer started his career at the Po-Mar-Lin Fire Company where he held all positions up to Assistant Chief before moving to West Grove and continuing through the ranks to Chief. Chief Weer talked to the graduates about things like continuing their training, and not becoming complacent.

Lead instructor John DeMarco called the cadet and a pre-chosen person of their choose up to the podium allowing them a photo opportunity while handing over their certification

Brittanie Brown was presented by her father FF Tom Brown, Antonio Colon was presented by his younger brother, and Charles Johnston was presented by his father. Firefighter Jack Robinson was not in attendants as he was off serving his county preparing for his 3rd deployment to Afghanistan. Instructor DeMarco was sure to let those in attendance know of Robinson were about and wish him a safe return to us, although not present Jack received a nice round of applause.

The officers and members of the Modena Fire Company wish all the cadets the best of luck in their upcoming in the service, and we thank you for all your time and dedication over the 172 hour class.