Boston Fire Department adds 49 new firefighters

Recruits were presented their badges and certificates after a 20-week course of study at the Boston Fire Academy.

In a ceremony before family, friends and community members, Mayor Martin J. Walsh and Boston Fire Department Commissioner Joseph E. Finn presided over the graduation of 49 Boston firefighters today at Florian Hall. Recruits were presented their badges and certificates after a 20-week course of study at the Boston Fire Academy on Moon Island.

"I'm proud that today 49 new members will join the Massachusetts firefighting family, and I'm confident this new class of recruits will carry on the Boston Fire Department tradition of excellence," said Mayor Walsh. "Firefighting is a demanding, tough career. To all our new firefighters, I want you to know Boston is grateful for your hard work -- and from investments in equipment to new health measures, we'll do everything in our power to give firefighters the resources they need to keep our City, and themselves, safe."

The recruits have been trained on the disciplines of fire suppression, prevention, haz mat, emergency medical responses, vehicle extraction and terrorism awareness as well as nutrition, fitness, exercise, health and safety. Boston graduates are all military veterans, with many having served recently in combat zones overseas.

Image for mayor walsh and fire department commissioner joseph finn

The Walsh Administration has continued to invest in public safety, including building Boston's first new firehouses in 30 years in Dorchester and Roxbury. As part of the City's commitment to safety, one of Boston's oldest firehouses will be renovated: Engine 50 in Charlestown. In 2016, the City launched an accelerated fire apparatus replacement plan, which will replace nearly 50 percent of the fleet by the end 2019. In fiscal year 2018 alone, the department will receive 13 new fire trucks as part of this plan.

These investments in infrastructure are complemented by the City's investments in firefighters' health, as the City has replaced every air tank with the best, safest technology available. In addition, Mayor Walsh's 2018 budget proposal includes a $500,000 pilot program designed to reduce cancer risks for firefighters, a top health concern. The pilot program includes industrial cleaning of firehouses to thoroughly clean ductwork, replacing ceilings and repainting where necessary, and replacing fabric furniture that may have become contaminated.

"My thanks to Mayor Walsh for continuing to fund the department with not just these additional 49 firefighters, but with new engines, ladders, air tanks and firehouses," said Commissioner Finn. "These are exciting times for the Department as we meet the challenges of protecting and serving those who live, work and visit our great City."

In addition the Boston firefighters' graduation, joining this academy class are 14 new firefighters from Chelsea, Dedham, Malden, Marshfield and Wellesley who trained alongside the Boston recruits. They will now report to their communities and begin their careers as firefighters. The Boston Fire Academy allows outside departments to join its classes for the full multi-week course on a space-available basis.

New firefighters will continue their education alongside veteran firefighters in neighborhood firehouses across the city. They will report to their assigned companies beginning this weekend.