Martin Volunteer Fire Department firefighter Landon Vaughn was one of 22 firefighters from departments throughout the state to graduate Thursday from the Mississippi State Fire Academy.

The trainees successfully completed a rigorous seven-week program learning how fire behaves, fire suppression methods, how to handle hazardous materials, incident command and more. The course, which provides a combination of online, classroom and in-person learning, meets the requirements of both the state of Mississippi and the National Fire Protection Association.

In a news release, Kelly Elliott, executive director of the fire academy, said the newly certified firefighters will now head back to their home communities and put their skills to work helping others.

“We are confident the immediate impact and positive difference these firefighters will make, not only within their departments but also in their communities, will truly be substantial,” he said.