About the Division

A key component to the Ashland Fire Department’s mission is the preparation for any emergency. The Training Division ensures that the members of the Ashland Fire Department are provided with the knowledge and skills needed to protect themselves as well as provide a quality service to our citizens.

Captain Mathew Boland is the Training Officer responsible for the department’s fire and rescue training. The Training Officer schedules in-service training and monthly training.

Firefighters are required on a yearly basis to attend live fire training and search and rescue training. All full-time firefighters are required to attend the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy Recruit Training program within 1 year of being hired by this department. All part-time firefighters were required to be Firefighter I/II certified through the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy before they can participate in any live fire condition.

Training Tower

The Ashland Fire Department owns a 4-story training tower located at the old Cedar Street Station. The training tower has search and rescue, repelling, roof ventilation, and laddering capabilities with the only limitation being live fire training.