Poplarville firefighter Malley Bilbo has graduated from Class 207 of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1001 Firefighter I-II course at the Mississippi State Fire Academy in Jackson, MS. Bilbo, a member of the Mississippi Army National Guard since 2021, completed the seven-week course, which includes online, classroom, and hands-on instruction in various firefighting areas.

The NFPA 1001 course covers fire behavior, fire suppression, rescue techniques, incident command, hazardous materials management, and other essential firefighting topics. This training program meets and exceeds the National Fire Protection Association’s requirements for firefighter qualifications and the uniform minimum training standards outlined in the Mississippi Code section 45-11-7.

The Mississippi State Fire Academy, a division of the Mississippi Insurance Department, conducted the training. State Fire Marshal Mike Chaney and Academy Executive Director Kelly Elliott believe firefighters will be valuable assets to their fire departments with their new skills and knowledge.

Director Elliott noted, “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.”

Bilbo’s completion of this training program demonstrates a commitment to service and readiness to contribute to firefighting efforts in Poplarville and beyond.