Newark Fire Department graduating class adds more than 2 dozen new firefighters
The graduating class includes 1 woman, and a 5th generation firefighter
NEWARK, New Jersey (WABC) -- More than two dozen new firefighters officially joined the ranks, ready to serve and protect their community in Newark, New Jersey.
As they prepared to begin their assignments, their proud families looked on, watching a dream become a reality.
Their families cheered them on as they took an oath to serve the community and protect it from life-threatening danger.
Twenty-six young men and one woman made that commitment on Friday.
"It's not just a job... running into danger when everyone else is running away," Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said.
This 55th graduating class includes Timothy Zarelli. His signing on makes him the fifth generation of firefighters in his family. He's the first in Newark. All the others like his father Rod Zarelli served the FDNY.
"He's been working at this for several years, falling in the line of his father," said Timothy Zarelli's future mother-in-law Tricia Callahan.
Wilma DeLeon had already served the City of Newark as a police officer, but answered this new calling, making her one of 12 female firefighters in Newark.
"I think it's just her love for helping people. She loves being out there for the community," said DeLeon's sister Claudia DeLeon.
After more than a decade in the department, Latina Byrd is elated to see another woman join the ranks.
"Twenty-five years later, it's great to see women progressively coming on," said Byrd of the Newark Fire Department.
Firefighter Phenol Morlan's family is proud of his choice and meeting his goal.
"I think he just wanted to go into a job that could help, and he knows how to help other people," said Morlan's sister Phenia Morlan.
The graduating class is now on call to save lives.
"And if you combine training with genuine compassion, you will become the kind of firefighters people will never forget," said Newark Fire Department Chief Del Ortiz.
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