Fire Chief Paul J. Parisi is pleased to share that Ipswich Firefighter Keith LeBlanc Jr. successfully completed and graduated from the Massachusetts Firefighter Academy (MFA) on Friday, Jan. 31.
Firefighter LeBlanc was one of 29 graduates from 17 departments in the Career Recruit Firefighter Training Program Class #327.
LeBlanc has worked in Ipswich as a Call Firefighter since 2022, following in the footsteps of his father, Keith LeBlanc Sr., who is a former Ipswich Call Firefighter. He began working full-time with the Department in August 2024. LeBlanc is also a licensed EMT and has experience working in Beverly Hospital.
During the 50-day training program, participants receive classroom training in all basic firefighter skills. They practice first under non-fire conditions and then during controlled fire conditions. The graduates are now certified at the level of Firefighter I and II and in hazardous material operation.
The other 28 graduates of Class #327 represent the fire departments of Ashland, Auburn, Boxborough, Charlton, Douglas, Gloucester, Maynard, North Reading, Randolph, Salem, Tewksbury, Truro, Wakefield, Wayland, Winchester, and Woburn. Firefighter LeBlanc was appointed as the Class President and gave remarks at graduation on behalf of his class.
“Congratulations to Keith on completing this rigorous training,” said Chief Parisi. “Keith’s passion for the Ipswich community and his commitment to maintaining our core values of integrity, compassion, and professionalism make him an ideal fit for the Department. We are eager to see his career develop.”
