UMass Amherst Fire Marshal Appointed to Massachusetts Fire Training Council

UMass Amherst campus Fire Marshal Michael Swain was appointed by Gov. Charles Baker to the Massachusetts Fire Training Council on Oct. 1. The council consists of the chief fire warden for the Commonwealth, secretary of public safety, director of the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy and 12 members appointed by Gov. Baker.

Swain was selected from two fire prevention inspectors nominated by the Fire Prevention Association of Massachusetts, an organization that he has been involved with for over 30 years. The Massachusetts Fire Training Council, which is the sole certifying agency for all levels of fire service personnel in the Commonwealth, has the statutory authority to promulgate rules and regulations for the operation of the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy and the authority to approve courses and curriculum taught by the Academy.

“This is a great honor for Mike, and well deserved as he is well known and respected for his passion for fire prevention education and outreach both at the university and by his colleagues throughout the state,” Jeffrey Hescock, executive director of environmental health and safety said.

Swain was sworn in via zoom on Oct. 14 in the presence of friends and coworkers. He has previously been honored with the Glenn Gaines Excellence in Fire Prevention award and the Massachusetts Fire and Life Safety Educator of the Year.