Rush, Nyberg graduate OC program
GOSHEN – The Highland Falls Fire Department has two new exterior firefighters after the August 11 graduation of the county’s Firefighter 1 training program.
Danielle Rush, a junior member of the HFFD and Hannah Nyberg were among 102 firefighters who graduated. Also graduating was Kourtney Menches, who began her firefighting service with the HFFD, but has since had to leave the department due to work requirements.
For Rush, it should be noted, firefighting is in her DNA … her mom Lynn is the president of the HFFD, her dad John is the HFFD’s captain, and her brother Nick is the department’s second lieutenant.
Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus attended the graduation ceremony, which was held at the county’s Fire Training Center in New Hampton.
Neuhaus was joined at the graduation by Orange County Undersheriff Kenneth T. Jones, Commissioner of Emergency Services Brendan Casey, Deputy Commissioner of Fire Services Vini Tankasali, Fire Training Chief Jim McCann, Assistant District Attorney Chris Borek and Deputy County Clerk Kelly Eskew.
“I was glad to recognize and congratulate these brave men and women,” Neuhaus, a past graduate of the program, said. “We appreciate their commitment to public service and their willingness to risk their own lives to save others. It takes a special person to become a firefighter and I commend the graduates, along with the training instructors, participating fire departments, and their friends and families on being a part of this impressive achievement.”
The four graduating classes consisted of firefighters from 30 county Fire Departments.
Firefighter 1 is a comprehensive and intensive introductory course required to become an interior firefighter. The course is comprised of 129 classroom hours and additional take home assignments. Courses were taught by county fire instructors at the Fire Training Center, and entailed lectures and hands on training sessions.
“We are proud of this year’s Firefighter 1 class and the commitment they have made to their communities,” Tankasali said. “The completion of this course illustrates the selfless dedication of each of the graduates and their belief in service to others. I offer my congratulations and best wishes as well as my gratitude to them all.”
Residents interested in becoming volunteer firefighters, can contact the county’s Division of Fire Services at fireservices@orangecountygov.com.
Local residents can also stop by either the HFFD or Fort Montgomery Fire Department to talk to firefighters here about the commitment, and about joining one of the departments.
