http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/local/scn-sa-nor.swearin5may18,0,554453.story?coll=stam-news-local-headlines
By James Lomuscio
Special Correspondent
May 18, 2007
NORWALK - After 10 weeks of training, three recruits were officially welcomed yesterday into the ranks of the Norwalk Fire Department.
"This is a very important day for our department and for our firefighters," Fire Chief Denis McCarthy said. "They're not recruits anymore. They're Norwalk firefighters. They're part of our family."
George Baez, Brandon Adams and Mark Monroe took the firefighter's oath administered by Fire Commission Chairwoman Carol Andreoli to begin their careers.
After being sworn in amid cheers and photos, each had their badges pinned on by family members: Baez and Monroe by their wives, and Adams by his stepfather, Patrick Marro, who also is a Norwalk firefighter.
"This is the beginning of a 25- to 35-year commitment that these firefighters are making to the city and the department," McCarthy said. "A 30-year commitment is a big deal to them, and they have the complete support of the department.
"Now, we're all part of the same family, and their families are part of our family."
Baez, 32, a Marine who served in Afghanistan and Iraq, said he was drawn to the department "because it's a brotherhood."
"The camaraderie you get here you won't get anywhere else except in the Marines," said Baez, a Bronx, N.Y., native.
He lives in Norwalk with his wife, April, and 1-month-old son, Jack, who was born while his father was in training.
"I'm excited the training is over and that he's home," April Baez said.
Adams, a 26-year-old Milford resident who worked as a carpenter, said he joined "to help others and to have an active job."
He said he was inspired to train for the department by his stepfather.
"I'm very proud of him," Marro said. "This has been a very good year for me because I became a grandfather, and I have a son who came on the job."
Marro became emotional when he spoke about his 30 years with the department, saying that his stepson would carry on his legacy when he retired.
Monroe, 36, is a Norwalk native and graduate of Brien McMahon High School and Norwalk Community College.
Married to Christine Monroe and the father of a 1-year-old daughter, Monroe had previously owned a painting company.
Mayor Richard Moccia lauded the new firefighters for their "service to their community and their country," putting their lives at risk to help others.
"Remember, you have a second family with the fire department," Moccia said. "It is the finest department in the state of Connecticut."
Copyright © 2007, Southern Connecticut Newspapers, Inc.