The Watertown Fire Department honored eight of its members on Wednesday during a swearing-in ceremony. Seven received promotions and one firefighter was officially welcomed to the WFD.
The Fire Department periodically holds swearing in ceremonies to recognize promotions and new members of the department. Watertown Fire Chief Bob Quinn said normally there are not as many people sworn in during one event, but the ceremony was postponed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Wednesday’s event was held in a tent outside the Commander’s Mansion, in which family, friends and colleagues sat six feet apart wearing masks.
The members of the Watertown Fire Department sworn in on Wednesday were: Assistant Chief Ryan Nicholson, Deputy Chief Arthur Geswell, Capt. Eric Allen, Capt. Michael Anastasi, Lt. Scott Trombly, Lt. Glen McManus, Lt. Ralph Mele and Firefighter Christopher Fidler.
Quinn said he is proud of each person sworn in during the ceremony.
“All the officers worked hard to get here. They are all very deserving of the promotions they received,” Quinn said. “I know all the officers will do great work in their new assignments and that our new firefighter is a great individual who is a fantastic addition to our department.”
Town Manger Michael Driscoll congratulated the firefighters receiving promotions and the recently appointed member of the WFD.
“The citizens of Watertown are very proud of their Fire Department, a Department that is progressive and the members of the Fire Department work tirelessly to make Watertown safe and abetter place to live and work,” Driscoll said.
Quinn had a special message for the WFD’s newest firefighter.
“Do the job that is required of you to the highest standards. The Town of Watertown and its citizens deserve nothing less,” Quinn said. “It is a privilege to wear the badge and be a member of the Watertown Fire Department. We have the faith and confidence that you will live up to these expectations.”
He reminded him that he represents the WFD while both on and off duty, and wished him a safe career.
“You are allowed to be without perfection, but not without honesty and integrity,” Quinn said. “Please stay safe through out your career. Our job is much more dangerous than when I began over 30 years ago.”
WFD Personnel Sworn In on Oct. 21, 2020
Assistant Chief Ryan A. Nicholson
Appointed firefighter on March 23, 2006, and has served as lieutenant, captain and deputy fire chief prior to being promoted to assistant fire chief. on Sept. 27, 2020.
Deputy Chief Arthur J. Geswell Jr.
Appointed as a firefighter on April 9, 1998 and served as lieutenant and captain before his promotion to deputy chief on Sept. 27, 2020.
Captain Eric J. Allen
Appointed as a firefighter on Sept. 6, 2001 and served as lieutenant before being promoted to captain on Feb. 2, 2020.
Captain Michael D. Anastasi
Appointed as a firefighter on Aug. 12, 2004 and served as lieutenant before being promoted to captain on Oct. 11, 2020.
Lieutenant Scott M. Trombly
Appointed as a firefighter on Feb. 23, 2014 and was promoted to lieutenant on Feb. 2, 2020.
Lieutenant Glen M. McManus
Appointed as a firefighter on July 20, 2014, before being promoted to lieutenant on July 12, 2020.
Lieutenant Ralph D. Mele
Appointed as a firefighter on April 26, 2015, and was promoted to lieutenant on Oct. 11, 2020.
Firefighter Christopher S. Fidler
Appointed as a firefighter on July 12, 2020.