Four Waltham firefighters graduate state academy

Four of the Waltham Fire Department’s newest members graduated from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy on Friday as part of Class #341, the department announced.

The graduates completed the 50-day Career Recruit Firefighter Training Program at the academy’s Stow campus and will join the city’s frontline firefighting force. All four were appointed to the department on May 17.

Firefighter James Falzone is assigned to Fire Suppression Group 3 at the Moody Street station. Firefighter Michael Leonard is assigned to Group 4 at Central Station. Firefighter John Shanley is assigned to Group 4 at the Moody Street station, and Firefighter Sean Sullivan is assigned to Group 1 at the Moody Street station.

Shanley earned the Richard N. Bangs Outstanding Student Award, reflecting his academic and practical skills, testing and evaluations during the 10-week program.

Fire Chief Andrew Mullin congratulated the four on completing the training and beginning their careers.

“We celebrate your dedication and hard work on completing the Fire Academy training,” Mullin said. “Now you will go forward and continue to learn and serve in the proud tradition of the fire service. I wish you all the best and ask you to stay safe as you work to protect our community.”

The academy, part of the state’s Department of Fire Services, provides recruit and in-service training for career, call and volunteer firefighters at campuses in Stow, Springfield and Bridgewater.