Press Release  Massachusetts Firefighting Academy Welcomes New Director

STOW — State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine today announced that Jonpaul “JP” Seivane, a former battalion chief with the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District, has been appointed as director of the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy. He began his new role yesterday.

“Mr. Seivane’s leadership experience at a major, multi-jurisdictional fire department will serve him well leading one of New England’s largest and most respected fire academies,” said State Fire Marshal Davine. “He brings a deep commitment to firefighter training, occupational health, and professional development at a pivotal time for the fire service.”

“The instructors and support staff of the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy provide an invaluable service to the state’s firefighters, and the benefits extend to every resident of the Commonwealth,” said Mr. Seivane. “I look forward to working with these dedicated men and women to continue the high standards they’ve put in place. Moreover, I pledge to work with our partners in the Massachusetts fire service to meet their needs in the months and years to come.”

Mr. Seivane comes to the MFA following 17 years with the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District, where he rose to the rank of battalion chief in a department serving more than 720,000 residents. In that position, he oversaw dozens of fire and EMS personnel on the fireground, in training, and on health, wellness, and professional development matters. His career at the SMFD included years of high-level organizational experience in strategic planning, training development, policy formation, interagency and interdisciplinary partnership, and media relations.

Mr. Seivane also taught part-time at Sierra College in California, where he developed, delivered, and refined paramedic, pre-paramedic and EMT courses for nearly a decade. He is a graduate of the University of California Davis, earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Phoenix, and obtained an associate’s degree in fire science and certificate in fire technology from Allen Hancock College. He has a current paramedic license in Utah and California.

Most recently, Mr. Seivane was the founder, executive director, and president of Saratoga Springs FC, one of the fastest growing non-profit youth organizations in the country. This role required collaboration with local, state, and federal agencies and stakeholders; oversight of budgetary and fiduciary responsibilities; and motivating dozens of employees, coaches, and volunteers in a mission of service.

First established by the Legislature in 1971 under what was then the Division of Occupational Education, the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy now provides recruit and in-service training at campuses in Stow, Springfield, and Bridgewater. Its staff also provide certain courses online and deliver others directly to local fire departments. It serves more than 13,000 Massachusetts firefighters, from new recruits to chief officers, each year.

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