Five new firefighters ready to serve Lake Mohegan

Five members of the Lake Mohegan Professional Firefighters Department have graduated from the Westchester County Career Fire Chiefs Firefighters Academy.

The graduates are Paul Cirillo, Nicholas Colello, Samuel Guida, Nicholas Rubeo and Jacob Tussel.

The five were among 35 recruits from 12 fire departments in Westchester, Dutchess and Orange counties who completed the academy's rigorous academic and physical training program. The graduates were recognized during a ceremony at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center in New Castle.

Deputy County Executive Joan McDonald congratulated the graduates, noting that firefighters must be prepared to respond to a wide range of emergencies, including structure fires, hazardous materials incidents, rescues and severe weather events.

“Best of luck to you as you make you way in this demanding, rewarding and noble profession you have,” McDonald said. “I wish all of you long, safe and successful careers.”

The academy is operated by the Westchester County Career Fire Chiefs Association in partnership with the Westchester County Department of Emergency Services. Thirty-five recruits from 12 departments completed the program and will now serve career fire departments throughout the Hudson Valley.