CHICOPEE, Mass. - The Chicopee Fire Department welcomed three new members on Thurday.

The new recruits say their past experiences have prepared them for the job today. Rember Parada was among the three recruits and said it has been a goal of his to become a firefighter for a long time. 

What You Need To Know

  • Chicopee Fire Department swore in Rember Parada, Peter Marino and Jared Falconer as their newest recruits
  • Parada lived through two fires, so joining the department was extra special
  • Parada, Marino and Falconer are excited to give back to the community and be involved in public service
  • The recruits will start work on June 28

"It started when I was very young," said Parada. "I lived through two fires myself and ever since that I saw the hard work they put in and wanted to be a firefighter since then."

Parada's dreams came true Thursday when he was one of three recruits to be sworn in and take the oath. He and the other recruits were surrounded by friends and family.

Mayor John Vieau and Fire Chief Dan Stamborski spoke to the recruits before they were sworn in. Parada said the moment was special because of his personal experiences. Parada grew up in Worcester and said he had to watch his parents start all over after losing their home in a fire.

Parada said he now wants to give back to the community, the same way those firefighters did for him and his family.

"It is important to me because I am a person who wants to help anybody no matter what the situation is," Parada said. "That is why I am fit for the job. It just comes natural to me."

Among the latest recruits were also Peter Marino and Jared Falconer. Both future Chicopee firefighters said public service was also the reason they decided to take this career path. 

"The fire department has been a dream for quite some time," Marino said. "I did some time in the Navy and jumped right into civil service and Chicopee jumped on it. I was very excited."

"Someone needs to do the job and, right now, theres' a shortage in people in medical field and the firefighter field so I am excited for the opportunity," Falconer said.

It is an opportunity these recruits won't take for granted. 

"It is an honor, knowing all the firemen that came before me. Meeting them. Learning from them. Giving me all the advice," Parada said. "I took it to heart and this is what I want to bring to Chicopee, Mass."

Their first day of work will be June 28. The recruits will go through orientation and work on the ambulance, before heading off to the academy at the end of July.