New Marlborough Firefighters Honored At Academy Graduation

Maurice Jarmman and Seth Gilchrest were among 45 local firefighters to graduate from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The city of Marlborough, Massachusetts welcomed two new firefighters, Maurice Jarmman and Seth Gilchrest, who recently graduated from the state's fire academy. Jarmman received the Richard N. Bangs Outstanding Student Award, while Gilchrest was selected as the class spokesman and delivered a speech during the graduation ceremony.

Why it matters

The graduation of these two new firefighters is an important milestone for the Marlborough Fire Department, as it adds skilled and trained personnel to the team that serves the local community. The academy training ensures the recruits meet national standards for firefighter qualifications.

The details

Jarmman and Gilchrest were part of the Career Recruit Class #S44, a group of 21 members representing fire departments across the state. The 10-week state program teaches recruits basic firefighter skills, including practicing under non-fire conditions and during controlled fire situations. To graduate, students must demonstrate proficiency in life safety, search and rescue, ladder operations, water supply, pump operation, and fire attack.

  • The graduation ceremony was held on Friday.
  • Jarmman and Gilchrest were among 45 local firefighters to graduate.

The players

Maurice Jarmman

One of the new firefighters in Marlborough, Massachusetts who recently graduated from the state's fire academy.

Seth Gilchrest

One of the new firefighters in Marlborough, Massachusetts who recently graduated from the state's fire academy.

Marlborough Fire Department

The fire department in Marlborough, Massachusetts that welcomed the two new firefighters.

Massachusetts Firefighting Academy

The state program that trains and certifies firefighters in Massachusetts.

Richard N. Bangs

The longtime chair of the Massachusetts Fire Training Council, after whom the Outstanding Student Award is named.

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What they’re saying

“There were long days in gear, evolutions that pushed us to our limits and plenty of moments where we had to dig a little deeper than we thought that we could. But, through these challenges, we learned something that every firefighter eventually learns: you're only as strong as the crew beside you.”

— Seth Gilchrest, Class Spokesman (Patch.com)

The takeaway

The graduation of these two new firefighters, Maurice Jarmman and Seth Gilchrest, represents the Marlborough Fire Department's commitment to maintaining a skilled and well-trained team to serve the local community. Their accomplishments at the state's fire academy demonstrate the rigorous preparation required to become a firefighter in Massachusetts.