Forty-six volunteers graduated
Last updated Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 3:12 PM
Bucks County Community College celebrated its most recent graduates of Basic Fire Academy Training with a ceremony on Tuesday, May 19, on the Newtown Campus. A total of 46 volunteer firefighters received hands-on training at the Bucks County Public Safety Training Center in Doylestown and the Lower Bucks County Public Safety Training Center in Croydon. In addition to receiving their certificates of completion, one firefighter from each class was chosen for the outstanding student award. Eric Green of New Hope, who volunteers with the New Hope Eagle Fire Company, and Bruce Andrew Ferry of Bristol, who runs with the 3rd District Volunteer Fire Company in Bristol Township, were each recognized for their leadership.
Volunteer firefighters (left-right) Matthew Shaw, Tracy Topolin, Vladimir Usatin and Steven Whiskeyman process into the Newtown Campus Gymnasium on May 19 for the graduation ceremony of Bucks County Community College’s Department of Public Safety Training and Certification. The members of Spring Battalion 2 completed Basic Fire Academy Training at the Bucks County Public Safety Training Center in Doylestown. They were among 46 first responders who earned certifications this spring. (CREDIT: Ryan Allison for Bucks County Community College)
Tracie Young-Brungard of the Pennsylvania Office of the State Fire Commissioner delivers the keynote address to 46 volunteer firefighters who received their national certification from Bucks County Community College at a May 19 ceremony. (CREDIT: Ryan Allison for Bucks County Community College)
Bucks County Community College’s Department of Public Safety Training and Certification honored two volunteer firefighters with outstanding student awards for their leadership during Basic Fire Academy Training this spring. Pictured (left-right) are: BCCC President and CEO Dr. Patrick M. Jones; Eric Green of New Hope, a volunteer with the New Hope Eagle Fire Company; Bruce Andrew Ferry of Bristol, a volunteer with the Third District Fire Company in Bristol Township; and Matthew Hatrak, the College’s executive director of public and contracted training. The honors were presented at a May 19 graduation ceremony on the College’s Newtown Campus. (CREDIT: Ryan Allison for Bucks County Community College)