GREENFIELD — The Greenfield Fire Department swore in seven new members and promoted three existing members to the rank of lieutenant Friday night at the John Zon Community Center.
Fire Chief Robert Strahan welcomed the four new members of the call force and three new permanent firefighters at the ceremony.
“We’ve had many, many changes and difficulties this year,” Strahan said. “At the end of this year, we are going to enhance our ranks.”
Madison Atkocaitis, Kevin Worden, Colin Cloutier and Gabriel Chapley were sworn in as members of the department’s call force, while Evan Geary, Charles Silva and Joseph D’Astous became members of the permanent force.
Current firefighters Gregg Diefendorf, Mark Cadran and William Kimball were promoted to lieutenants.
Speaking directly to the department’s new lieutenants, Strahan told them to stay as driven as they have been in their promotion process.
“Lead by example. Never forget the drive you have today. You could be on the job for 20 years — remember what it was like when you got sworn in day one, and take that forward as you go forward,” Strahan said. “This is the best job in the world and you’re part of the best department you can be a part of.”
Mayor Roxann Wedegartner welcomed the new firefighters to the department.
“Congratulations to you and your family,” Wedegartner said. “You are truly entering one of the best fire departments there is here in Western Massachusetts.”
Wedegartner thanked the firefighters for taking on their job in a temporary station in the Hope Street parking lot, and asked them to “bear with us” as the city begins to build a new fire station on Main Street near Coombs Avenue.
“We are going to try and get you the very best new fire station we can,” she said. “You deserve it.”
After each group was sworn in, Strahan left the new recruits — and reminded those who already serve — with three priorities as they begin their time with the Greenfield Fire Department: Be safe, be professional and have fun.
“It’s the best job in the world. … It will come with its challenges, it will come with its heartache and it will come with its tragedy,” Strahan said. “But we are a family at Greenfield Fire.”
After the ceremony, Strahan said the group sworn in Friday was a “larger group than normal” and was the result of a six-month process. He said the department is excited to have the new firefighters on staff and to work with their new permanent lieutenants.
“They’re an outstanding group of people,” Strahan said. “We’re happy to welcome everyone aboard.”
D’Astous, who is joining the department after spending time as a firefighter at Barnes Air National Guard Base in Westfield, said it was a “privilege” to be added to the department’s permanent roster of firefighters.
“It’s an honor,” he said. “It’s the start of a great future.”
D’Astous added he is ready to serve the people of Greenfield and he hopes his time here will make him a better firefighter.
“I’m very excited to expand,” D’Astous said, “and give everything I can.”
Chris Larabee can be reached at clarabee@recorder.com or 413-930-4081.