Graduating Bridgeport firefighter James Walton reaches out to shake Mayor John M. Fabrizi's hand Monday as his fellow graduates stand behind him during a swearing in ceremony at Six to Six Magnet School. (Autumn Pinette/Connecticut Post)Fire rookies win their badges
AARON LEO aleo@ctpost.com
Article Last Updated: 11/20/2007 12:29:39 AM EST
Graduating Bridgeport firefighter James Walton reaches out to shake Mayor John M. Fabrizi's hand Monday as his fellow graduates stand behind him during a swearing in ceremony at Six to Six Magnet School. (Autumn Pinette/Connecticut Post)
BRIDGEPORT — After a battery of tests and 13 weeks of training, rookie city firefighter Chris Vega learned a lesson that his classes never gave him.
He recently went on his first medical call to help a choking child. A smile from the child's mother stood out for him.
"She was relieved that we came to her aid," said 24-year-old Vega, who was sworn in with 15 others Monday night at Six-to-Six Interdistrict Magnet School.
"It really put a smile on her face," he said.
Also smiling was Vega's father, Hippolito, 53, who retired from the Fire Department in April after 30 years.
Chris is known as "Little Hippo" on Engine 3, where his father also served.
The new firefighters, who are now on a year's probation and subject to frequent review, are Robert Beaudry; James Boyle; Marcus Dierna; Necole Dundy; Bobby Hernandez; Earl King Jr.; Erique McCalla; Michael Mentes; Ryshon Penix; Regina Scates; Wilfredo Terron Jr.; Jose Torres; Joseph Torres; Vega; James Walton; and James Zavodjancik.
Several are related to current or former police officers and firefighters in and around Bridgeport.
King's father is a retired city police detective.
The rookie previously had two city jobs, one in which he worked with children.
"I feel good. I feel good," he said after the ceremony Monday.
But his new job almost didn't happen after the city's personnel director rejected his application because he has a felony conviction.
King appealed and the Civil Service Commission allowed him and several other convicted felons onto the hiring list, causing a stir among city officials.
King bagged crack cocaine for the Adrian and Russell Peeler drug gang in 1996 and 1998 and, after his 2000 arrest, testified against them under a plea bargain with prosecutors. King grew up and played Little League baseball with Adrian Peeler.
King served his time on a federal work farm, going on to get a college degree and hold city jobs after his release. He hasn't been in trouble since.
There is no city ordinance or state law barring felons from becoming firefighters.
But regardless, all the rookies had to complete rigorous training before getting their silver badges, said Mayor John M. Fabrizi.
Fabrizi pinned the badges on the rookies.
"Two thousand took the exam. You are 16 of the most fortunate ones to be in this class. You earned the right to wear the badge," he said.
The last rookie class was sworn in June 2006. The previous class graduated in 2000.
There are now about 300 firefighters, and the department's full strength is 335, said Fire Chief Brian Rooney, who rose from the rank of city firefighter to become chief in 2006.
He hopes to start another class of 30 to 35 next month.
He said the rookies are entering "an outstanding fire department steeped in rich tradition."
"You are embarking on a career as everyday heroes," he said. "Welcome to our family."