Receiving their badges were firefighters Joshua Kenniston, Peter Cubilette, Jonathan Shea, and Ryan Wilkie. Watch video
The Springfield Fire Department welcomed four new firefighters to its ranks Wednesday with a swearing-in ceremony at department headquarters.
Taking their oath of office and being pinned with their badges were firefighters Joshua Kenniston, Peter Cubilette, Jonathan Shea, and Ryan Wilkie.
Newly appointed Fire Commissioner Bernard J. Calvi, attending his first swearing-in ceremony as commissioner, cited a line from Edward Croker who was chief of the New York City Fire Department at the dawn of the 20th century.
"The greatest feat of bravery any firefighter takes is when raises his hand and takes his oath. Everything after that is just in the line do duty," he said.
Mayor Domenic Sarno, as is his custom at such events involving new police or firefighters, thanked the family members present.
It is extremely important that firefighters have a strong support system at home, he said.
Sarno said he has been around enough firefighters over the years to understand that they tend to be a modest group, and never make much of the fact that they run into burning buildings when everyone else is running out.
"You guys are the first to say 'It's no big deal. It's just my job," he said. "Being a firefighter is more than a job; it's your identity and your career."
He pledged to support the department at budget time, to make sure firefighters have the best equipment, trucks and training to do their job safely.
"All we ask of you is that you wear that badge proudly."
Peter firefighting academy in Stow. They graduated July 22.
Kenniston was among 16 firefighters graduating from the state firefighting academy in Springfield in December.
Kenniston's badge was pinned on him by his father, Ron Kenniston, a longtime Springfield firefighter.
"It's something I wanted since I was a boy. I wanted to follow in my father's footsteps. There's no one else I'd rather have pin me than my father," he said.