STOW — North Reading Firefighter Matthew Enos successfully completed and graduated from the Massachusetts Firefighter Academy (MFA) in Stow on Jan. 31, Fire Chief Don Stats has announced.
Firefighter Enos was one of 29 graduates from 17 departments in the Career Recruit Firefighter Training Program Class #327.
Enos was appointed to the North Reading Fire Department on Sept. 5, 2024. Before joining the Department, he worked with the Hamilton Fire Department for three years and the Topsfield Department for a year.
During the 50-day training program, participants receive classroom training in all basic firefighter skills. They practice first under non-fire conditions and then during controlled fire conditions. The graduates are now certified at the level of Firefighter I and II and in hazardous material operation.
The other 28 graduates of Class #327 represent the fire departments of Ashland, Auburn, Boxborough, Charlton, Douglas, Gloucester, Ipswich, Maynard, Randolph, Salem, Tewksbury, Truro, Wakefield, Wayland, Winchester, and Woburn.
“Matthew’s work ethic and commitment to growing in his craft make him an excellent fit within our Department,” said Chief Stats. “Myself and the North Reading Fire Department congratulate him on completing this rigorous training and look forward to him continuing to grow his career in North Reading.”
“Massachusetts firefighters are on the frontlines protecting their communities every day, and today’s graduates are needed now more than ever,” said State Fire Marshal Davine. “The hundreds of hours of foundational training they’ve received will provide them with the physical, mental, and technical skills to perform their jobs effectively and safely.”
“Massachusetts Firefighting Academy instructors draw on decades of experience in the fire service to train new recruits,” added Massachusetts Firefighting Academy Deputy Director Dennis A. Ball. “Through consistent classroom instruction and practical exercises, today’s graduates have developed the tools they’ll need to work seamlessly with veteran firefighters in their home departments and in neighboring communities as mutual aid.”