Graduates of the Central Oregon Coast Fire & Rescue academy are, top row left to right: Max Stephens, Yachats Rural Fire Protection District and Rilee Powell, COCF&R. Bottom row left to right: Butch Maxfield, COCF&R, Madison Cabrera, Newport Fire Department, Maranda Lopshire, COCF&R, and Eli Peterson, COCF&R. Not pictured, Ronnie Naggar, Newport Fire Department.

Seven Central Oregon Coast Training Officers Association Fire Academy recruits graduated on April 7 after a longer than normal schedule. Setbacks due to COVID-19 restrictions delayed training classes and graduation several times.

Academy instructor and Central Oregon Coast Fire & Rescue Chief Jamie Mason had to modify the schedule in accordance with the ever-changing restrictions facing the academy.

Through it all, these seven students stuck it out and gave it their all. On Wednesday night they all earned their certificates of achievement for NFPA Firefighter 1, NFPA First Responder Operations and NFPA Apparatus Operator. They also received instruction on Haz-Mat Operations. As they continue with their respective districts, they will complete their wildland training.

The academy started Sept. 23 2020 and graduation was originally schedule in January. This shows the perseverance and commitment these students have. The academy started with 13 recruits and seven completed the training.

The academy was held at Central Oregon Coast Fire & Rescue’s main station in Waldport. Staff and volunteers helped with the different courses and the final skills evaluations.