WESTBOROUGH — Chief Patrick Purcell is pleased to share that Westborough native Jewlia Durning graduated from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy (MFA) on Friday, Aug. 30, and will join the department.
Firefighter/EMT Durning was one of 34 graduates from 22 departments in the Career Recruit Firefighting Training Program Class #323.
During is a graduate of Mount Wachusett Community College, and a 2017 graduate of Westborough High School. She has worked as a public safety dispatcher for the town for two years, handling police, fire, and EMS calls for service.
“Firefighter/EMT Durning will be able to bring both her Academy training and understanding of Westborough public safety response to this new role,” said Chief Purcell. “It’s always rewarding for me as a chief to hire a town native with a strong commitment to serving our community.”
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. Training reflects the full range of responses a firefighter may encounter, including fires, rescues, gas leaks, chemical spills, and environmental emergencies.
Graduates are now certified at the level of Firefighter I and II and in hazardous material operation.
“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.”
The graduating firefighters of Class #323 represent the fire departments of Andover, Attleboro, Belmont, Devens, Dudley, Fitchburg, Maynard, Methuen, Norfolk, North Andover, Northborough, Orleans, Revere, Salem, Shrewsbury, Tewksbury, and Westborough.