PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Nine new firefighters joined the department after graduating from the department's six-week academy.

 

On Friday, the new firefighters were joined by friends, family, and city officials for a graduation ceremony at Reid Middle School.

 

The ceremony featured an invocation from the Rev. Peter Gregory, introductory remarks from retired Deputy Chief Michael Polidoro, commentary from Training Capt. Neil Myers, the awarding of certificates from Deputy Chief Mark Cancilla, and closing remarks from Deputy Chief Daniel Garner.

 

The 2017 recruitment class are Brandon Bailey, Kyle Bailey, Craig Eggleston, Mike Herman, Shawn Leary, Steve Papa, Timothy Sayers, Brendan Shank, and Nick Teti. 

 

Myers said there were some 80 people in attendance including City Council President Peter Marchetti, and Councilors Peter White and Anthony Simonelli. The new firefighters received certificates and were pinned by their families. 

 

The new firefighters were brought onto the department through a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grant to the tune of $1,112,864. The grant pays for the salaries and benefits for what is the largest recruiting class in a long time. Once the grant expires, the firefighters will fill vacancies being created through retirements in the coming years.