HARWICH – Two new firefighters sworn in, other recognized in brief ceremony in Harwich. Ceremony acknowledged differing backgrounds, accomplishments and effort put forth to become a firefighter.
“To you I say, after more than 40 years of service at the Harwich Fire Department, that you are beginning a career in the best job in the world, an elite fraternity of brothers and sisters. I can only hope that after your 40 years of service that you will love the job as much as I do.” Words from Chief Clarke to the two new full time firefighters being sworn in this morning at a ceremony held at the Robert A Peterson Firehouse on Sisson Rd. Timothy Druckenbrod and Jamie Sandino were sworn in by Town Clerk Anita Doucette in front of a crowd of Town Officials, fellow firefighters, and family. At the completion of their oath, the new firefighters were “pinned” with their new badges. Pinning Firefighter Druckenbrod was his uncle and former Harwich Fire Chief William Flynn. Firefighter Sandino was pinned by his mother, Carol Hammond. After the pinning they were presented with their official appointments and the Probationary helmet fronts by Chief Clarke.
Also recognized in today’s ceremony were Firefighter Christina Brown and Firefighter Danial SanGiovanni. These two firefighter recently completed their probationary year with the fire department and were given their permanent shift assignments and presented with their permanent helmet fronts.
Finally two new provisional firefighters were introduced. Provisional firefighters are temporary employees used to cover long term vacancies due to illness or injury. Provisional Firefighters Andrew Ottino and Joseph Battista both started with the Brewster Fire Department as call firefighters. Ottino, a Harwich resident is still on call with Brewster and an Emergency Medical Technician while Battista is a call firefighter with Orleans and has almost completed paramedic school. Both went through a competitive interview process and were ultimately chosen from a list of over 40 candidates.
In addressing the crowd, Deputy Chief LeBlanc said the following, “This day represents the end of a quest to be a part of something bigger than oneself and at the same time a beginning of a pursuit of service to a community and its citizens.”
Media release and photos furnished by Harwich Fire
