Leggett Hails Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service’s Record Graduation; Recruit Class 37 is Largest Class in County Fire Service History

On July 11, 2013, the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service held its largest Recruit Class graduation ceremony in the County’s Fire Service history. Certificates for completion of the 26-week Firefighter and Rescuer training program were awarded to 70 graduates of Recruit Class 37 during the 1:00 p.m. ceremony held at the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Gaithersburg. 

County Executive Isiah Leggett, Councilmember Phil Andrews, Fire Chief Steven Lohr and President of the Montgomery Career Firefighters Association, Local 1664, Jeffrey Buddle delivered remarks to the class, and an auditorium filled with their families and friends. 

“The dedication and sacrifice of firefighters really came to the forefront during the attacks of 9/11, and now again with the loss of the 19 elite ‘Hotshot’ firefighters in Arizona,’ said County Executive Leggett. “While this is a time to celebrate your achievements, this is also a time to remember how much will be demanded of you. On behalf of the County, we are all so grateful - in advance - for the extraordinary service you will provide to our citizens throughout your careers.” 

“You haven’t just joined a fire department, you’ve joined a family,” said Chief Lohr. “As a member of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service, you will never be alone, there will always be someone with you during any challenge you may face. You’ve learned from the best and we will now expect the best from you.” 

This year, for the first time, the Chief Thomas Carr Leadership Award was presented to the member of the class who best represented the ideals and leadership of former Montgomery County Fire Chief Thomas Carr who recently lost his battle with MSA, a form of Parkinson’s disease. The winner, one of four recruits nominated by the training academy staff and voted on by class members, was Firefighter Andrew Tuzzio. 

There were over 1,000 candidates who applied to Recruit Class 37. Eighty-three were accepted into the training program. Seventy successfully graduated and have now joined the highly-respected ranks of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service. 

Recruit Class 37 – Coming To A Fire Station Near You Soon!

Recruit Class 37 – Coming To A Fire Station Near You Soon!, a set on Flickr.

By: Captain Jason Blake

Recruit Class 37 is finishing their training at the academy and have received their station assignments. The "Grand Finale" of their fire/EMS training occurs over a long and physical demanding day that the recruit's family gets to see them in action. Recruits are assigned to riding positions on engines, trucks, ambulances and rescue squads with lieutenants and captains from the field. They are dispatched and respond to calls on the 56 acres of the academy. A wide variety of calls occur over an eleven hour time frame with everything from building and car fires, to sick people and assaults. Recruits even deliver a baby in a car. There are over 50 scenarios that occur and are very realistic with smoke, fire and moulage of victims that make the most seasoned firefighter to look twice.

Thank you to Chief Clemens, Captain Carter, Lt. McDonald, Academy Staff and Adjuncts for training the largest recruit class in the history of the department.

Recruit Class 37 Getting Fit!

By: Lieutenant Pedro Meneses

Cardio is an integral part in fighting fires. In the video below, Recruit Class 37 is finishing up a 30 minute slow run. To their surprise, when it was all done, they had completed 2.5 miles.

Some had never run that far but when you run as a group and feed off each other anything is possible!

Recruit Class 37's First Physical Training Session

Our latest Recruit Class (RC) started this week on Monday, January 14.  RC 37 members started their Physical Training program on Wednesday.  The work out consisted of an interval track run with calisthenics and a flexibility session to wrap it up in the field house at the Public Safety Training Academy.

Physical fitness is a very important part of being a Firefighter!  The below photos show the Recruits hard at work.  Photos courtesy of Lieutenant Pedro Meneses.  

FY12 MCFRS Budget Includes Funds for Two Recruit Classes

The Montgomery County Council has allocated funds for two abbreviated recruit classes of pre-trained Firefighter/EMTs. For these classes, MCFRS will be seeking applicants with some pre-existing certifications. The specific requirements and certifications necessary to be considered for this recruit class have not been announced, but may include firefighting, hazardous material and EMT experience.

Applications for the pre-trained classes will likley be accepted during the month of June, 2011. Additional information about any pre-exsisting certifications will be posted on the MCFRS website, blog and facebook as soon as it is known. All interested persons are encouraged to sign up for the MCFRS e-mail newsletter at our website (www.mcfrs.org/recruiting), Twitter Page, or to check the facebook page frequently.

Montgomery County Maryland Hiring Firefighter/Rescuer Recruits

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) is now accepting applications for the position of Firefighter/Rescuer I Recruit. Two separate recruit classes are anticipated; however both classes will be dependent on available funding. Recruit Class “A” is open to applicants with no previous experience or training. Recruit Class “B” is open to applicants that possess a specific level of training at the time of application.

Applications must be received by June 30, 2010 for both classes. Applications will be accepted online only at www.montgomerycountymd.gov click on careers.

Applicants for both classes must be 17 ½ years of age to apply and 18 at appointment, with a high school diploma or GED. All applicants must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien, as well as possess a valid motor vehicle driver’s license.

Applicants for Recruit Class “B” must possess the following training certifications at the time of their application: MFRI State of Maryland Certified Firefighter II, MFRI State of Maryland Certified Hazardous Material Operations Level and current Certification as a Maryland Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-Basic or EMT-Paramedic) or Maryland Cardiac Rescue Technician (CRT).

MCFRS Firefighter/Rescuers receive outstanding benefits including 20 year retirement with no age limit, group health and life insurance, paid holidays, paid vacation and paid sick leave. Tuition assistance may be offered through State of Maryland and County programs. Additional compensation may be received through the attainment of specialized skills once hired.

Additional information regarding this position or the application and hiring process can be found on the Firefighter/Rescuer I Recruit application at Montgomery County’s Human Resource’s website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov and click on “Careers.”

MCFRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity in the workforce.

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