Morton Grove swears in three new firefighters after NIPSTA academy completion

Morton Grove — The Village of Morton Grove on March 25 administered the oath of office to three newly hired firefighters who have completed the regional fire academy training.

Chief Kennedy introduced the new hires and led the swearing-in ceremony for Eamonn O’Mahoney, Nicholas Allman and Chris Frigonardis. Village leaders and family members joined the new firefighters at the podium as each repeated the oath to support the Constitution of the United States and of the State of Illinois and to “faithfully discharge the duties of the office of firefighter of the Village of Morton Grove.”

Eamonn O’Mahoney began employment with the Morton Grove Fire Department on Dec. 30, 2024, and recently completed nine weeks at the NIPSTA Fire Academy, the chief said; he is scheduled to begin work on Gold shift the following week. Nicholas Allman began employment on Jan. 2, 2025, completed nine weeks at NIPSTA and began working on Gold shift the day of the meeting, the chief said. Chris Frigonardis also began employment on Jan. 2, 2025, and the chief said Frigonardis graduated from the NIPSTA academy on March 7 and expects to be assigned to shift duty.

Biographical details presented at the ceremony included college backgrounds and prior experience: O’Mahoney graduated from Illinois State University with a bachelor’s degree in conservation biology; Allman earned a bachelor’s degree in molecular biology from the University of Illinois and previously worked as an emergency medical technician for Lifeline Ambulance; Frigonardis is a University of Indiana graduate who pursued paramedic training and firefighting as a career.

Chief Kennedy and the presiding officer noted the department’s expectation that the new staff will serve the Morton Grove community; family members then pinned badges and joined group photographs. The ceremony concluded and the board resumed regular agenda business.