Five Stirling Volunteer Fire Company firefighters graduated on July 13 from the very difficult and challenging Firefighter II course that was conducted at the Somerset County Fire Academy. They are Justin Alto, Antonio Centurion, Chris Hoffman, Alex Honegger, and Matt Rozmerski.
After the graduation ceremony they were honored by their brother firefighters and family members at the Stirling firehouse where they heard brief remarks by Stirling Fire Chief Kevin Phillips. Following the remarks coffee and cake were served to all in attendance. It was the largest number of firefighters ever to graduate from Firefighter II in one class in Long Hill Township. Usually only one or two complete this training.
The 110 hour Firefighter II course provides certified advanced training to volunteer and paid firefighters. Emphasis was on civilian and firefighter safety, advanced firefighting techniques, addressing hazmat situations, communications, and effective firefighting teamwork. Maximum class size was 24.
To be eligible for this challenging training course firefighters had to complete the 200+ hour Firefighter I course, have at least two years of firefighting experience, and have a current Self Contained Breathing Apparatus Fit Test certification. A strict dress code was also maintained for Firefighter I and II training and in both courses attendees would fail automatically if they missed even one day of training. They also had to pass a grueling physical and written test.
(above, l-r) Firefighter Antonio Centurion, Firefighter Chris Hoffman, Firefighter Alex Honegger, Firefighter Matt Rozmerski, Chief Kevin Phillips. Not pictured: Firefighter Justin Alto.17
