Hernando, Horn Lake firefighters part of Fire Academy graduating class
Three firefighters from Hernando and one from Horn Lake are part of the Thursday graduating class being honored at the Mississippi State Fire Academy in Jackson.
The group includes Peyton Coker, John Slay, and Cory Smith of the Hernando Fire Department, along with Dakota Rich of the Horn Lake Fire Department.
The Mississippi State Fire Academy (MSFA) is graduating two classes Thursday morning at 10 a.m. The DeSoto County group is part of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1001 Firefighter I-II course.
The intense seven-week course includes online, classroom, and hands-on instruction in the areas of fire behavior, fire suppression, rescue, incident command, hazardous materials, and other fire related topics.
This course meets and exceeds the National Fire Protection Association for Firefighter Qualifications and the uniform minimum training standards stated in the Mississippi Code section 45-11-7.
Seven current leaders within their departments will graduate from the MEFO Program. This course consisted of 4 sessions throughout the year 2023, identifying issues the fire service and the communities face and how to improve them while preparing for their next step in their careers.
The Mississippi State Fire Academy is a division of the Mississippi Insurance Department. State Fire Marshal Mike Chaney and Academy Executive Director Kelly Elliott believe these firefighters will be an asset to the fire departments they represent.
“We are confident the immediate impact and positive difference these firefighters will make, not only within their departments but also in their communities, will truly be substantial.” said Elliott.
