CANANDAIGUA, NY — Canandaigua Fire Chief Frank Magnera called the swearing in of five firefighters the beginning of their journey.
And, as Magnera said, firefighters Max Mahoney, Aaron Fitzgerald, Matt Mackershar, Ryan Clair and Chris Szatkowski are now part of the Canandaigua family.
“It marks the beginning of a lifelong commitment,” Magnera said June 26 during the ceremony at the department’s No. 1 firehouse on Main Street.
Each of the firefighters also received Canandaigua Fire Department badges, which were pinned to their uniforms by members of their families.
Canandaigua Mayor Bob Palumbo, who for 50 years was a fire volunteer, urged the newer firefighters — all had begun service before the ceremony — to look at the wall of photos of current and previous firefighters and reflect on the sacrifices they made.
“That’s what firefighters do,” Palumbo said.
Firefighter Jake Bement, who is president of the Firefighters I.A.F.F. Local 2098 union, said the job is rewarding but will come with tough days but many people believe firefighters have won the job lottery.
“I can agree 100%,” Bement said.
Clair and Szatkowski are the department’s newest additions, bringing the roster to 19 positions as of May. Each of the firefighters sworn in are filling positions of those who retired or transferred.
Special Canandaigua FD recognitions
The department also recognized Canandaigua Academy graduate Taylor Pennise and shop teacher Jeff Carlson for a wooden lectern, repurposed from a fire ladder. The union also made a donation to the school’s technology club.
East Bloomfield Troop 55 Scout Harry Masseth was recognized for his efforts on a turnout gear hanger project. The movable hanger enables firefighters’ gear to be hung up and dried out between calls for service.
Mike Murphy covers Canandaigua and other communities in Ontario County and writes the Eat, Drink and Be Murphy food and drink column. Follow him on X at @MPN_MikeMurphy.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Canandaigua Fire Department welcomes five new firefighters to the ranks
Reporting by Mike Murphy, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
