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Local firefighters graduate Fire Academy

    Firefighters from Hightstown and East Windsor were among the 30 most recent graduates of Mercer County Fire Academy.
    The fire academy, which is directed by Mercer County Community College at Dempster Fire Training Center, celebrated the graduation on June 25.
    According to James McCann, director of the fire academy, two classes completed the 180-hour New Jersey Firefighter 1 training program to become state-certified firefighters. The daytime class was for members of the Princeton Fire Department, which included Princeton University employees who are also volunteer firefighters. The evening class drew students from 11 fire companies around the region, including Colonial Fire Co., DeCou Hose Co., East Windsor Fire Co. No. 1, Hightstown Fire Co. No. 1, Kendall Park Fire Co., Monmouth Junction Fire Co., Princeton Junction Fire Co., Prospect Heights Fire Co., Rusling Hose Fire Co., West Windsor Fire Co. and White Horse Fire Co.
    McCann said participants who attain this level of training are well prepared to perform firefighting duties with their local fire companies.
    “The successful completion of this rigorous academic and physical program shows the commitment of each of these students to serving others,” McMann said. “We are proud of this hardworking group of firefighters.”
    Guest speakers at the ceremony included Harvey Bailey, president of the Mercer County Firemen’s Association, Dan Galatro Jr., president of the Mercer County Fire Chiefs Association, and Winston Maddox, Mercer County Community College dean of business and technology.
    The Hightstown Engine Co. No. 1 Color Guard and the Hamilton Township Professional Firefighters Pipe and Drum Band also participated in the ceremony.
    In addition to directing the fire academy, which provides training courses for local firefighters on a noncredit basis, Mercer County Community College offers a degree in fire science technology and certificates in fire code enforcement and fire officer/administrator.
    For more information, visit www.mccc.edu.