L-R Questar III BOCES staff with Fire Science students from Donald R. Kline Technical School: Liza Dwon (Fire Science Instructor), Daniel Dugan (Cairo-Durham CSD & Cairo Fire Department), Jesse-James Brough (Greenville CSD & Greenville Volunteer Fire Company), Evan McCord (Pine Plains CSD & Livingston Pumper Co #1), Ethan Ravenscroft (Coxsackie-Athens CSD and Athens Vol. Fire Department). Maggie Palmeri (Questar III BOCES Director of CTE), Madisyn Werner (Greenville CSD & Greenville Volunteer Fire Company), Greg Fox (Fire Science Instructor), and Dr. Gladys Cruz (Questar III BOCES District Superintendent).
On May 9, 2025, nearly sixty guests, including eight local fire departments, participated in a “Firetruck Wetdown” with Questar III BOCES at Donald R. Kline Technical School. A Wetdown is a ceremonial tradition where firefighters from neighboring companies christen a new apparatus by spraying it with water. The firetruck was graciously donated to the Questar III BOCES Fire Science program by the Gloversville Fire Department and City of Gloversville, NY, earlier this year. Scroll to the end to watch a video from the event.
A collaborative effort with Columbia and Greene Counties, the Fire Science program launched in September 2024. This program allows students to earn their New York State Basic Exterior Firefighter Operations (BEFO) certification, a firefighter’s first step in their lifelong training as a volunteer or paid firefighter. By taking this program, a student does not have to take the same course on their own time, typically on nights and weekends. The program also assists local departments where students volunteer with daily, concentrated training, giving students more skills and confidence, removing some basic training needs from the department.
“This program is more than just an educational opportunity; it’s an investment in the future of our communities,” said Questar III BOCES District Superintendent Dr. Gladys Cruz. “By providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed as firefighters, we are helping to ensure the safety and well-being of our residents for years to come.”
The Questar III BOCES firetruck being sprayed down by neighboring companies.
At the Wetdown, Questar III BOCES was honored to present all five students of its first cohort with their BEFO certification. Congratulations to:
- Jesse-James Brough – Greenville Central School District and Greenville Volunteer Fire Company
- Daniel Dugan – Cairo-Durham Central School District and Greenville Volunteer Fire Company
- Evan McCord – Pine Plains Central School District and Livingston Pumper Co #1
- Ethan Ravenscroft – Coxsackie-Athens Central School District and Athens Volunteer Fire Department
- Madisyn Werner – Greenville Central School District and Greenville Volunteer Fire Company
In addition to Fire Chief Thomas Groff and Mayor DeSantis of Gloversville for their gracious donation, Questar III BOCES would like to extend an additional thank you to the following for supporting our program or attending the ceremonial event:
- George Keeler, Columbia County Fire Coordinator
- John Farrell, Greene County Fire Coordinator
- Eugene Perry, Firefighters Association of the State of New York President
- Athens Volunteer Fire Department
- Clermont Fire Department
- Elizaville Pumper Company 2
- Germantown Fire Department
- Greenport Fire Department
- Mellenville Fire Company
- Stottville Fire Company
- Tri-Village Fire Company