For Immediate Release

Friday, Jan. 19, 2018

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: ben@jgpr.net

Randolph Police and Fire Teach First Responders Course at Randolph High School

RANDOLPH — Police Chief William Pace and Fire Chief Richard F. Donovan are pleased to announce that the police and fire departments are in their fifth year of conducting their First Responders course at Randolph High School. 

Led by police detective Kristen Gagnon and fire lieutenants Joseph Messia and Michael Austrino, the course is offered to Randolph High School juniors and seniors who are interested in pursuing careers in law enforcement, fire services, healthcare or emergency services.

Designed to allow the students to learn and gain hands-on experience in these fields, the the year-long course focuses on topics such as fire science, fire safety, emergency medical services, policing and law.

The 15 student class is selected through an interview process at the beginning of the school year and students are selected based on interest, attendance and character.

“We take a lot of pride in the way we conduct this course,” Detective Gagnon said. “Lt. Messia, Lt. Austrino and I try to make the class as hands-on as possible and give students a realistic view of the industry while also helping and encouraging them to pursue whatever area they’re passionate about.”

The police portion of the course teaches students about motor vehicle laws, Miranda rights, constitutional laws, hate crimes, abuse and more.

The firefighting section of the course teaches students the science behind fire and its behavior, firefighter gear, engine company operations, vehicle extrication, search and rescue and the process of becoming a firefighter.

Students are also taught about EMS topics that include, first aid, proper protective equipment, poisoning and overdose, psychological emergencies and suicide prevention. Additionally, all students leave the course CPR certified.

The program includes a local jail tour and students participate in an interactive experience with MILO Range Theater System. The MILO system provides a fully immersive training environment where students are put in situations where they will need to make quick decisions.

Firefighting activities include putting out small fires, practicing responding to calls and learning how extrication tools work.

In the coming weeks, the students will visit elementary schools to talk to the children about CPR and what to do if someone is choking.

At the end of the program, the students will participate in a car crash simulation. The simulation allows students to practice skills they learned throughout the year in the First Responders course.

For more information about the course, contact the Randolph High School at 781-961-6220.

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