Worcester swears in 22 new firefighters after 14-week academy

Terrence Bowden, training chief of the Worcester Fire Department, opened the graduation ceremony for Recruit Academy Class of 2026-1 and introduced remarks from city and department leaders as 22 recruits prepared to be sworn in.

Mayor Joseph Penny congratulated the class, recognized elected officials in attendance and emphasized the city’s commitment to equipping and training public-safety personnel. "The commitment, discipline, perseverance, and sacrifice that brought you here to this day are deeply appreciated," the mayor said, and he highlighted recent and planned investments including a new South Division fire station intended to modernize facilities and training space.

Councilor Kate Toomey, chair of the public safety committee, told the graduates the job is a calling and stressed that their safety depends on each other and on continued investment in training and equipment. "Mental health is just as important as physical health," she said, urging recruits to seek help when needed.

District Attorney Joseph Early congratulated the recruits and urged them to learn from experienced colleagues on the job. He also said the Worcester Fire Department participated in the "handle with care" initiative, a process that alerts schools when children are exposed to traumatic events so staff can offer support.

City Manager Eric Bautista noted the class completed a 14-week academy and reiterated the city’s support for public safety staffing and training. He referenced a recent fire that displaced 15 residents and injured five people, including a firefighter, and he recalled the recent death of Boston firefighter Robert Kildoff Jr. as a reminder of the risks of the work.

Ryan Kelly, president of Firefighters Local 10-9, welcomed the new members to the union and thanked instructors and families for their support. "Keep training. Keep learning. Keep checking in on each other," he told the graduates.

Chief Martin Dyer thanked family members and instructors and framed three defining moments for the recruits: the patch, the oath and the badge. "A badge is not given, it is earned," Dyer said, and he reminded recruits that every decision they make can strengthen or weaken public trust.

City Manager Bautista administered the oath of office; recruits repeated the oath to uphold city ordinances, state law and directives of their supervisors. The ceremony moved to diploma presentations and badge pinning, with family members, supervisors and city leaders participating in the pinning for each of the 22 graduates.

Matthew Negrati, class spokesperson and one of the graduates, reflected on the academy’s demands and the class’s transformation from strangers into a team. He thanked instructors, families and fellow recruits and urged his classmates to stay safe as they begin their careers.

The ceremony closed with a benediction from Reverend Jonathan Slowvinskas and final remarks from the training staff. The class was formally dismissed.