New Britain Hires 7 New Firefighters
By Editor at December 15, 2023 | 5:15 pm | Print
Four area firefighters graduated from the Connecticut Fire Academy on Friday and will be joining the New Britain Fire Department, while three others are joining the ranks as lateral transfers from other departments or related fields.
The individuals include Matthew Currao; Lee Jacobs, Jr.; Dexter Johnson; Shaun Koch; Frankie Medina, Alexander Ugarte, and Thomas Wood.
During her remarks to the 58th graduating class of the Fire Academy at Central Connecticut State University’s Welte Auditorium, Mayor Erin Stewart congratulated the recruits and told them that they are joining a tradition dating back to 1833.
“A great trust has been placed in you by the communities that you will serve in, so carry yourself with compassion, dedication, and respect for others,” Stewart said. “Remember that you will be on the front lines with the public—from accidents to community events—so be your best and let your actions inspire others.”
Two awards are given out at each graduation. The “Hard Charger” award is based on personal performance and the “Program Instructors” award is given to a recruit who most impacts and improves the entire class through his leadership. New Britain Fire Department firefighter Matthew Currao received the “Program Instructors” award.
In addition to the four graduates from the Academy, three other individuals are joining the New Britain Fire Department as lateral transfers. In all, the new hires include two New Britain residents and two military veterans. Two are paramedics and the other five are certified EMTs.
“These seven new firefighters are all very different individuals but each brings great emergency services and life experience to our Fire Department. We are especially grateful for the veterans who are joining our Department. All seven firefighters share a passion for public service,” stated Fire Chief Thomas Ronalter.
The three lateral hires will now join the four new Connecticut Fire Academy graduates for a month of in-house training and orientation. They will be assigned to fire companies in January.
