Crime & Safety

Local Department Swears In Four New Firefighters

Family, friends and coworkers gathered Thursday at Middletown's South Fire District to welcome William Gregorio, Kevin McDonnell, William O'Donnell and John Lynch.

The swearing in of new firefighters was a source of such pride for the vice chairman of the board of commissioners that he choked up while reading the pledge to his son Firefighter William Gregorio of Middletown.  

(See a video of the event here).

The ceremony, which welcomed four new firefighters Thursday at Middletown's South Fire District, began with a prayer by Brother Brian Davis, headmaster of Xavier High School. 

With families and South Fire personnel gathered, William Gregorio Sr. begin his recitation of the oath to his son twice, after board of commissioners chair David Gallitto placed a firm hand on his shoulder to steady him through the swearing in. That was followed by the pinning of his badge by his mother Christine. 

Firefighter Kevin McDonnell of Hebron was pinned by his mother Gail. Grandfather William pinned firefighter William O’Donnell, originally of Oxford, now Middletown; and Firefighter John Lynch of Brookfield was pinned by his uncle Lou.

Mayor Dan Drew welcomed the men to the city of Middletown and cake and coffee was enjoyed by all.

Gregorio will join D Platoon under Lt. Russell Jacobs, McDonnell is now part of B Platoon under Lt. Jonathan Handley, O'Donnell is part of A Platoon, led by Lt. Anthony Lancia Jr., and Lynch completes C Platoon, headed by Lt. Christopher Gamache.   

The new recruits join South Fire District Firefighters Craig Astle, Christopher Bodie, Nicholas Bozym, Michael Cortezzo, Glen S. Harvey, Timothy Heiden, 
Jason Hurlbut, Robert James Jr., Terence Keenan, Kori Kelly, Carl Lutecki,
James Mastroianni, Owen Moss, Michael Osiecki, Ryan Parmelee, Denise Rivera, 
Philip Russo, Clifton Seifert, Cody Soule, James Spencer and Robert Zajac.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.