Veteran firefighter Eric S. Littmann has been named the new director of the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy, State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine announced today. Littmann is stepping in with three decades of firefighting experience under his belt, including a significant tenure in Nevada before returning to his Massachusetts roots.
Littmann recently served as captain at the Medfield Fire Department, and is no stranger to the rigors of fire service education. According to a press release from the state fire marshal's office, during his over 20 years with the Las Vegas Fire Rescue Department, Littmann climbed the ranks to become training captain and also took on the role of regional flashover instructor for three departments in the Las Vegas Valley area. His tenure and expertise are expected to now directly benefit future generations of Massachusetts firefighters.
"The Massachusetts Firefighting Academy provides the highest levels of professional training to firefighters at every level of experience, from recruit to chief officer," State Fire Marshal Davine said. He praised Littmann's "extensive fire service background, his leadership experience, and his commitment to firefighters' professional development" as vital assets for the Academy's future.
In his statement regarding the new appointment, Littmann expressed his respect for the institution where he once trained as a rookie. "I look forward to working with our instructors, our partners, and our stakeholders to meet the emerging needs of Massachusetts firefighters, their departments, and the communities they protect," he told officials. Stepping into the director's role, Littmann will now supervise approximately 13 full-time employees and 450 part-time instructors at the storied Massachusetts academy.
The Academy, established in 1971 and now a division of the Department of Fire Services, provides vital training to over 10,000 firefighters across the state annually through its programs in Stow, Springfield, and Bridgewater. Littmann will be supported by Deputy Director for Training Dennis A. Ball and Deputy Director for Administration Joanne Gardiner. He succeeds Jeffrey P. Winn, who has moved on to lead the Department of Fire Services’ Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Division. Littmann's long-standing commitment to fire service and education marks a new chapter for the Academy as it continues to evolve in its mission to train the state's bravest.
