Island Fire Company hosts unique ‘Blended Learning’ program

Story and photo by Ray Pauley
Grand Island Fire Co.
Public Information Officer
Grand Island Dispatch, August 31, 2007

New York State Fire Instructor Mark Butler praised the hard work of 15 Niagara Frontier firefighters who successfully completed Erie County Firefighter I training and received graduation certificates at Grand Island Fire headquarters on Aug. 23.

Butler emphasized that GIFC Assistant Chief Matt Osinski and a host of other outstanding instructors made this conclusion a reality by providing step-by-step expert guidance to this fine group of individuals.

Chief Thomas Wutz of the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control explained that this comprehensive course covered 60 hours of “blended learning,” which combined a computer-based format of self-study, followed by hands-on training and ground experience. He stressed that this innovative pilot program, hosted by the GIFC, is intended to produce highly proficient emergency responders “so that everyone can come home safely at the end of the day.”

GIFC Chief Greg Butcher proudly presented graduation certificates to Allana Brilhart, Jacob Olszewski, Sergio Buriano, Leigh Shelton and Patrick O’Connor. Charles Picone was an absent graduate. Other graduates included: John Wilson of Angola Fire Co.; Linda Marie Piesczynski, Michael Piesczynski, Jason Boye, Anthony Snyder and James Rose of Sloan Active Hose Co.; Nathan Work and Charles Ferguson of Clarence Fire Co. and William Mendola of Seneca Hose Co. No. 1.

Peter McMahon, Grand Island town supervisor and a past chief of the GIFC, noted the personal sacrifices made by all fire service volunteers “who want to be the best that they can be” in serving their communities.

Donald Fischer, deputy chief of OFPC, echoed these sentiments when he stressed that “the bottom line is that firefighters work for each and every member of the community, and are accountable as such.”

State Instructor Butler summed up this momentous occasion by reminding these graduates that “it is not only a privilege to serve your community, but a solemn trust and obligation” that you are now better prepared to meet. And finally, “never forget that the lives of those you serve and those of your fellow firefighters depend on you.”

Congratulations for your noteworthy accomplishments and good luck throughout our future commitment to public service.