For Immediate Release: December 13, 2012

(Windsor Locks, CT)-The Connecticut Fire Academy proudly announces the graduation of Recruit Class #50. The class of 66 firefighters, representing 26 career and volunteer fire departments from across the state completed their 14-week residential based training program on December 12, 2012.

A graduation ceremony will be held at the Klein Memorial Auditorium in Bridgeport on Monday, December 17, 2012 at 1:30 pm.

The class roster consists of firefighters representing fire departments in Branford, Bridgeport, Brookfield, Clinton, Cromwell, East Hartford, East Haven, Fairfield, Greenwich, Hamden, Hebron, Litchfield, Manchester, Middletown, Milford, North Haven, Norwich, Oxford, Roxbury, Southington, Stratford, University of Connecticut, Wallingford, Waterford, Westport and Willimantic.

The recruits have been undergoing intensive daily training at the Connecticut Fire Academy since August 31, 2012, focusing on developing knowledge, skills and abilities needed for entry level firefighters. The core program components are to establish a strong desire and will for self-discipline, teamwork, company morale, orderliness and precision. Additional course components include training in Hazardous Materials Mitigation, Weapons of Mass Destruction Preparedness, Confined Space Rescue, CPR Defibrillator and Technical Rescue. The graduating recruits will be nationally certified to the level of Firefighter I and Firefighter II in addition to being awarded numerous certificates for specialized training.