From left: Town Administrator Mallory Aronstein, Steve Kitchin, Firefighter Richard Albernaz, Firefighter Bruce Katz, Bob Medeiros and Mike Beaudette. (Photo Courtesy Swansea Fire Department) 
Firefighter Albernaz was pinned by his daughters, Analia and Olivia. (Photo Courtesy Swansea Fire Department) 
Firefighter Katz was pinned by his wife, Claudine. (Photo Courtesy Swansea Fire Department)
SWANSEA — Chief Eric Hajder is pleased to report that the Swansea Fire Department swore in three firefighters during a pinning ceremony last week.
On Tuesday, June 25, the Swansea Fire Department hosted a ceremony at Swansea Town Hall to swear in the firefighters before the Board of Selectmen.
In attendance were Town Administrator Mallory Aronstein, Board of Selectmen members Steve Kitchin, Robert Medeiros and Mike Beaudette alongside the firefighters’ family and friends and numerous members of the fire department.
“The uniform these firefighters wear carries a great tradition in this community, a tradition of excellence and a tradition of volunteerism that is hardly met in many other of our communities in the Commonwealth,” said Board of Selectmen Chairman Robert Medeiros.
During the ceremony, Chief Hajder presented Richard Albernaz (Station 1) and Bruce Katz (Station 2) to be sworn in. Landon Rowe (Station 4) was recognized but was unable to attend the ceremony.
Firefighter Albernaz was pinned by his daughters, Analia and Olivia, and Firefighter Katz was pinned by his wife, Claudine.
“On behalf of the entire department, I would like to congratulate firefighters Albernaz, Katz and Rowe and welcome them to the Swansea Fire Department,” said Chief Hajder. “We hope they have long and distinguished careers with our department and wish them all the best as they officially join the Swansea Fire family.”
The three were among 32 graduating firefighters of Call/Volunteer Recruit Class #111. Graduates received certificates of completion at a ceremony held at Bridgewater State University in May.
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