Massachusetts Department of Fire Services

March 29 is Vietnam War Veterans Day, recognizing all who served and honoring the ultimate sacrifice made by more than 58,000 soldiers, marines, sailors, and airmen. Here at home, we also remember the 1,331 Massachusetts residents who gave the last full measure of devotion.

Last week, the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy hosted students from Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School District as part of our High School Immersion Program. They geared up and spent the day trying out many of the tasks that MFA recruits -- and working firefighters -- perform on a daily basis. Thanks to our instructors, Mr. Gelinas and Mr. Morton, and extra thanks to the Crib staff for turning out in special support for Jack Mateychuk.

Thanks to the #WorcesterMA Fire Department, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, SFPE New England, NFSA, NFPA, and the DFS Crib Support Team for making Wednesday's #HomeFireSprinkler demo such a success! A huge crowd watched as a room-and-contents fire was contained by a single sprinkler head, causing only "paint and paper" damage, while an identical fire went to flashover in less than four minutes -- presenting deadly conditions and destroying everything in the room. Watch the full video at https://lnkd.in/eNcYiHur!

#ICYMI: The investigation by the #YarmouthMA Fire Department, Yarmouth Police, and Massachusetts State Police assigned to the State Fire Marshal's office led to two #Arson arrests in connection with the fire that destroyed the vacant Anthony's Cummaquid Inn last year: https://ow.ly/pjmX50VnYzj

A few seats are still available for this weekend's two-day Active Shooter / Hostile Event Response training in #HadleyMA! Fire/rescue personnel are encouraged to register for Active Attack Integrated Response at no cost using course code 33B at https://ow.ly/rNBt50VoWwA. (Law enforcement can register thru Acadis.)

Firefighters face a much higher risk of developing cancer, developing it earlier in life, and receiving a later diagnosis than the public they protect. In partnership with the Firefighter Cancer Support Network, the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy is now delivering the DOING IT RIGHT: Reducing Cancer in the Fire Service presentation. Register today for Friday's virtual offering, or find one at a department near you by using course code 422 at https://ow.ly/LhKn50VoumK. Learn more about our array of cancer awareness, prevention, and early detection resources at https://ow.ly/ljhV50VoumL!

#Remember: On March 26, 2014, Boston Fire Department Lt. Edward Walsh Jr. and Firefighter Michael Kennedy made the ultimate sacrifice battling a nine-alarm fire on Beacon Street. More than a dozen other firefighters were injured. A cherry tree and memorial plaque mark the location where they gave the last full measure of devotion. We honor their memory, remember their families, and recognize the loss to their brother and sister firefighters.

#TechRescue Tuesday: The Massachusetts Firefighting Academy recently delivered its Confined Space Rescue Technician course at the #HyannisMA Fire Department. For five days, about 20 firefighters from across the region gained a deeper understanding of the hazards and tactics associated with confined space rescue, using the latest techniques and equipment -- including our new mobile training prop. Thanks to our hosts, our students, and our instructors and support staff!

Join us in Worcester tomorrow at 1:00 pm for a side-by-side #HomeFireSprinkler demonstration! Our trailer will be at Institute Park to show the power of the #FastestWater to protect people, pets, and property. See it in action with #WorcesterMA FD, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) New England Chapter, National Fire Sprinkler Association, and NFPA!

Big fires need big water! These recruits are practicing with master stream appliances, preparing for the day when they need to attack heavy fire with a large amount of water. This is among many foundational skills that recruits learn from experienced firefighters at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy.