IAFF Local 32

6 city residents to enter Utica Fire Academy

Updated On: Jul 05, 2014

~~AMANDA FRIES / Observer-Dispatch Six Utica residents were sworn into the Utica Fire Academy by Mayor Robert Palmieri on Friday, March 28, 2014. They'll begin the 14-week training program on Monday.AMANDA FRIES / Observer-Dispatch |

AMANDA FRIES / Observer-Dispatch Six Utica residents were sworn into the Utica Fire Academy by Mayor Robert Palmieri on Friday, March 28, 2014. They'll begin the 14-week training program on Monday.

Amanda Fries
Posted Mar. 28, 2014 @ 12:00 pm

Six city residents starting early Monday morning will begin 14 weeks of training at the Utica Fire Academy.

The following residents were sworn in by Mayor Robert Palmieri on Friday at City Hall:

*Matthew Calidonna

*Stephen Revere

*Matthew Robertello

*Daniel Taurisani

*William Tomaino

*James Zwijacz

Chaplin Joseph Salerno addressed the six men prior to being sworn in, noting the challenge ahead of them — physically, emotionally, spiritually and mentally.

“Keep your eye on the goal,” he said.

The appointments were based on a civil service test, psychological testing, a strength and agility test and a screening board appearance.

Each recruit is licensed as a state Emergency Medical Technician and will be required to become a state-licensed paramedic within three years.

“I’m 100 percent convinced you will make the city proud and your family proud,” Palmieri said, adding that he has “no doubt” they’ll all make it through the academy