1st Female Firefighter Hired In Westfield Department's History

WESTFIELD, NJ — The Westfield Fire Department had a "monumental" night on Tuesday as they swore in their first-ever full-time female firefighter and eight other members which in turn expanded the force.

Of the nine members, 3 are promotions and 6 are new hires that have transpired within the last 10 months, said Westfield Police Chief Michael Duelks at the Tuesday night Council meeting.

The additional hires expand the department’s Sworn Personnel to a total of 38 members.

"This allows 2 of the 4 platoons to operate with 9 firefighters assigned to a shift. With the increased staffing, this will fill a 16-year hiatus of any platoon operating with 9 members," said Duelks. "This expansion will increase our department’s capabilities and ensure we can maintain the highest fire and emergency response levels for our residents."

Along with the additional staffing, the fire department also announced that they hired, for the first time, a full-time female firefighter in their department’s history.

The members sworn in on Tuesday include:

• Deputy Chief Robert Sawicki
• Captain John Gura
• Captain Craig Manning
• Firefighter Joseph Stulec
• Firefighter Benjamin Fishman
• Firefighter Brian Richards
• Firefighter Sean Biglin
• Firefighter Valerie Aguirre
• Firefighter Matthew Ridge

"I applaud you all on your achievements and accomplishments within the Westfield Fire Department and wish you continued success," said Duelks of the nine members. "The leadership of this Department praises all of its members for their dedication, resilience and commitment to always getting the job done."

The Chief also thanked the administration for helping to get to this point and supporting the expansion.

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