Representatives from of the Dartmouth District 2 and District 3 Fire Departments have graduated from a training program offered by the Massachusetts Fire Academy. 

They graduated among a class of 25 firefighters from various towns along the South Coast in a ceremony held at Matthew J. Kuss Middle School in Fall River on Wednesday, Nov. 1. 

Carolyn Abrantes and Devin Souza are the District 2 recruits who graduated. Peter Howland is a District 3 firefighter who graduated from the program as well. 

Abrantes also received the Martin H. McNamara Outstanding Student award for being at the top of the class. 

The program, called the Call / Volunteer Recruit Firefighter Training Program, provides firefighters with a level of training that meets national standards. It is held on nights and weekends so firefighters in suburban and rural areas can fit it into their schedules. 

Recruits receive training from certified fire instructors, preparing them to handle all of the emergencies to which they might be called. They receive classroom training in all basic firefighter skills, including the latest science on fire behavior and suppression tactics, as well as more specialized training. 

To graduate, students must receive 240 hours of training, and show their skills in the areas of life safety, search and rescue, ladder operations, water supply and fire attack.

"Massachusetts firefighters are on the frontlines protecting their communities every day, and today's graduates are needed now more than ever," said State Fire Marshal Jon Davine. "The hundreds of hours of foundational training they've received will provide them with the physical, mental and technical skills to perform their jobs effectively and safely."