Springfield, Massachusetts (WWLP) – At Springfield Technical Community College (STCC), Springfield Fire Department lieutenants are pursuing degrees through a program that recruits full-time firefighters.

The Fire Protection and Safety Technology Program will enable Nathan Lavallee, a firefighter since 2015, to study for an associate’s degree in the spring of 2023. Lavallee. Springfield Fire Department Chief Bernard J. Calvi is the agency’s highest ranking official.

“BJ” Calvi earned an associate’s degree in the Fire Science Program at STCC. STCC also awards degrees to members of other fire departments in the area. Graduates are also prepared for other careers such as city, town and state firefighting. Military and airport first responder locations. Departmental or regional title. fire investigation; and emergency medical services.

A former army veteran who served in Afghanistan, Lavalle has seen many benefits of enrolling in the STCC’s program. Once you complete your degree, you will be given a raise. He applies his classroom lessons to the real world of being a professional firefighter.

The STCC program has brought many benefits to Lavalle, a former army veteran who served in Afghanistan. Upon completing his degree, he will get a raise. During his firefighting career, he will be able to apply what he learned in his classroom to the real world.

As a result of the degree, firefighters can be promoted. In addition, the program helps him understand his work better. “The program is segmented into all categories, especially prevention, arson and HAZMAT,” he said.

After taking classes in building construction and firefighting strategies and tactics, Lavallee has become an excellent firefighter. “For me, it opened my eyes to different aspects of the job,” he added. STCC’s evening program trains and educates students to be effective leaders in fire protection, fire protection, and fire management.

In the near future, we expect the program to have a mix of online, hybrid, and face-to-face options. can be done. This is suitable for firefighters who work “4 days on 4 off”.

Springfield Fire Commissioner BJ Calvi says an STCC degree helps firefighters get promoted. “The STCC program is not only open to firefighters, it is also valuable. Earning a degree from STCC has not only furthered my education, it has paved the way for me to become a Fire Commissioner.” ‘ said Calvi, who is a 2001 graduate.

One of the instructors, Peter Buonome, said he is president of the Connecticut Fire Department Instructors Association.

“The faculty is great. They’re very knowledgeable. They know their craft and their job,” says Lavallee. “They don’t just teach you from the book, they give you a living example of what they’ve been through and what they’ve been through, and you can apply that to your class. I think that helps a lot.”