PRESS RELEASE
Northampton Firefighter/Paramedic Receives Outstanding Student Award
On February 7, 2014 Firefighter/Paramedic Caleb Langer completed the Recruit Firefighter Program at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy. Graduating with 23 firefighters from across Massachusetts, Firefighter Langer received the Richard N. Bangs Award which is given to the outstanding student of each recruit class. This recognition was based on Firefighter Langer’s exceptional academic average and outstanding skill proficiency.
The recruit curriculum spans nine weeks and is designed to train and evaluate students in the basic skills of the firefighting profession. This program is both physically and academically rigorous. Completing the recruit course in itself is an accomplishment worthy of recognition. Firefighter Langer excelled in the program and based on his performance was nominated by Massachusetts Firefighting Academy Instructors to receive the designation of outstanding Student.
Mayor David Narkewicz congratulated Firefighter Langer and stated “Firefighter Langer should be proud of his accomplishment and the dedication that he brought to this very difficult training program”
Over the past decade several Northampton Firefighters have received this award. Chief Brian Duggan was recognized with this award as he graduated from the Massachusetts Fire Academy thirty years ago. Chief Brian Duggan Said “Firefighter Langer’s exceptional performance stands as a strong tribute to the quality services that the Department brings to the City of Northampton”
Students attending the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy Recruit Training Program receive classroom training in all basic firefighter skills. They practice under non-fire conditions and then during controlled fire conditions. To graduate students must demonstrate proficiency in life safety, search and rescue, ladder operations water supply, pump operations and fire attack. Fire attack operations range from mailbox fires to multiple floor or multiple room structure fires. Upon successful completion of the Recruit Program all students have met national standards for firefighters set by the National Fire Protection Association. All students are also certified to the level of Firefighter I/II and Hazardous materials First Responder Operational Level by the Massachusetts Fire Training Council which is accredited by the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications.
Please contact Chief Brian Duggan at (413) 587-1039 with any questions relative to this press release.