Local volunteer earns award at firefighting school

Albany firefighter Jeff Hill received the Purdue-Pickard Outstanding Student Award at the Mid-West Texas Introductory Firefighter Academy at the close of the school on March 7. 

Additionally, Albany students David Hardin and Lathin Brownlee were recognized as Honorary Members of Academy Class 14, and the Albany Fire Department was presented a Certificate of Appreciation for providing critical support for the Academy. 

“Jeff was selected for the award by the Academy instructors due to his academic scores, performance of hands on skills, and most importantly, his attitude and willingness to learn,” said Academy chief/lead instructor Clay Deatherage. 

Hardin and Brownlee accompanied Hill to several of the classes. 

“Jeff’s and Albany firefighter Eric Johnson’s influence on these young men was obvious,” Deatherage said. “They eagerly pitched in and helped whenever asked; each is an outstanding representative of Albany.” 

The State Firefighter’s and Fire Marshals’ Association (SFFMA) is the certifying organization for Texas volunteer firefighters. The certification program is conducted in accordance with national standards prescribed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). 

In Texas, the process is divided into three steps – Introductory Firefighter, Firefighter I, and Firefighter II. The Introductory Firefighter curriculum consists of the training required prior to engaging in live fire suppression and training evolutions, according to Deatherage.

“The SFFMA Mid-West District developed the 10-week Academy in 2007 to allow area firefighters to obtain basic lifesaving training without extensive travel and expense,” said Deatherage. “Additionally, it allows them to meet the prerequisites to participate in live fire training at other area fire schools and go directly into Firefighting Phase II at the annual, Municipal Fire School held at Texas A&M.”

Approximately 500 firefighters have attended the Academy since it began. Academy instructors, many of which are invited to teach at Texas A&M, donate their time and travel expenses to this project that benefits the students, their departments, and their communities.

The Academy is conducted as a Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) area school, and tuition assistance reimbursement is available from the Texas A&M Forest Service.