CHAPPAQUA- Thirty-five new career firefighters are ready to begin serving communities across the Hudson Valley after graduating from the Westchester County Career Fire Chiefs Firefighters Academy.
The recruits, representing 12 fire departments, received their certificates during a graduation ceremony at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center in New Castle before an audience of family, friends, and fellow firefighters.
The graduates will join nine fire departments in Westchester County, as well as two departments in Dutchess County and one in Orange County.
Deputy County Executive Joan McDonald praised the graduates for completing the academy’s demanding academic and physical training program, noting that today’s firefighters must be prepared for a wide range of emergencies, from structure fires and hazardous materials incidents to rescues and severe weather responses.
“To Class 01-2026, best of luck to you as you make your way in this demanding, rewarding and noble profession you have chosen,” McDonald said. “On behalf of County Executive Jenkins, I wish all of you long, safe and successful careers.”
McDonald also recognized the career fire chiefs, academy commanding officers, instructors, and Westchester County Department of Emergency Services staff for preparing the recruits for the challenges of the profession.
Additional remarks were delivered by Department of Emergency Services Commissioner Susan Spear, Fairview Fire Chief Howard Reiss and Eastchester Fire Department Lt. Dominick DiRienzo, who served as one of the academy’s commanding officers.
The Westchester County Career Fire Chiefs Firefighters Academy provides recruits with the classroom instruction and hands-on training required to begin careers as professional firefighters, preparing them to respond to emergencies throughout the region.
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