Norwalk Fire Department Adds New Recruits

The Norwalk Fire Department strengthed its line-up by adding four recruits. In a ceremony on Friday morning at the station on Fairfield Avenue, Carol Andreoli and Michael Coffey of the fire commission gave the oath to the unit's newest members.

"These men represent the future of the Norwalk Fire Department," said Denis McCarthy, fire chief. "They're going to be here 30-35 years. Long after we're gone, they are going to be in charge and making decisions that will effect the department."

The four new members are:

• Whitney King, 25, of Burlington, Vermont
• Edgar Lopez, 23, of Bridgeport
• Andrew Kick, 30,  of New Milford
• Brian Kaley, 26, of Larchmont, New York

The recruits went through 15 weeks of a grueling training program and graduated on Thursday. There isn't much time to celebrate as their rotations begin on Christmas Eve.

"This is a dream come true," said Kaley, whose father was a member of the Scarsdale Fire Department for 31 years. "I can't wait to get started. My first shift is tomorrow night. There are some jitters but I'm ready to get into it."

Added Lopez. "Yesterday's graduation was the most exciting day of my life. The best part of about it though, Saturday night which will be my first shift. That will be next most exciting day of my life to finally start my job."

McCarthy is confident the four new members of his team can make a smooth transition to the job.

"They come to us trained well by the academy," said McCarthy. "They are very capable, but we'll spend the next year continuing that training and them learning the Norwalk Fire Department and the city of Norwalk. It's a big day for all of us."