71 graduates join Boston Fire Department in a historic graduation ceremony in Seaport
Loud cheers from family and friends welcomed the recruits into the room at the Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center, following a heartfelt video showing pictures from the recruits during their training. The Boston Fire Honor Guard performed the posting of the colors, and Boston Fire Acapella sang the national anthem to kick off the festivities.
Advertisement
The ceremony hosted a wide variety of speakers, including Paul Burke, the chief of the department and commissioner; Scott Malone, the deputy chief of training; and Kenneth Hayes, captain and drillmaster, who worked with the recruits along with a team of instructors during their time at the academy.
Advertisement
Burke congratulated the recruits on their hard work and encouraged them to continue learning as they step into their new careers.
'As you begin your career in your respective fire houses, I encourage you to take the time to truly learn your job. The academy has given you a strong foundation; now it's your responsibility to build on it,' Burke said.
He also said that this graduating class had a lot of 'firsts,' making them a special crowd.
'They were the first class to include cadets. They were the first class for Deputy Chief Malone and Captain Hayes. They're the first graduating class from the newly named Captain Leo T. Sullivan Fire Academy. They're the first to perform a live training session at night, where they had live fires in the dark. They did a great job. They're the first to enjoy a family day last Sunday... and the first [class] to have seven women graduate,' Burke said.
Paige McEachern (center) was one of the women to graduate.
David L Ryan/ Globe Staff
Women in fire departments are still few and far between all across the nation. According to a 2020 US Fire Department Profile by the National Fire Protection Association, only 9 percent of all firefighters in the United States are female, only 5 percent of career firefighters are women, and only 11 percent of volunteer firefighters are women.
Kimberly Quiros, chief of communications for the National Volunteer Fire Council, said that more resources have been delegated to fire departments in recent years to recruit more women. The NVFC has received federal grants since 2015, focused on recruitment and retention in the volunteer fire service.
'It's definitely an area of opportunity when it comes to recruitment,' Quiros said. 'About half of the population are women, we really should be seeing higher numbers in our local departments.'
Advertisement
Mayor Michelle Wu also spoke at the ceremony. Along with congratulations to the graduates, Wu gave a special shoutout to the friends and family in the room who supported the recruits throughout their lives, leading up to this point.
'They made the choice to dedicate their lives to protecting their neighbors, strangers whose names they might not ever know, but who need them in that moment when they are the most important call they're going to make,' she said. 'Your graduates are rooted in community, grounded in their neighborhoods, so connected to this city that they felt called to give back. Thank you for raising these incredible leaders.'
Omariah Ashley adjusted her hat before the ceremony.
David L Ryan/ Globe Staff
The recruits took the oath of office, followed by the presentation of their certificates and badges, and finally the union oath, officially making them a part of the Boston Fire Department.
Brendan Collins, one of the graduates, was nominated by his fellow graduates to speak at the ceremony. As he reflected on his time, he spoke fondly of the friendships he formed and strength he gained, both physically and mentally.
'We've had many speakers visit us during the academy and they all start their speeches with the same phrases. 'This is the best job in the world, and you guys hit the lottery,'' Collins said. 'I can speak for every single person in the academy when I say we all truly believe that.'
The graduates took their oath during the ceremony at the Menino Convention Center.
David L Ryan/ Globe Staff
Throughout the graduation, one topic was always at the top of everyone's mind and mentioned in every speech: family. Recruits, Fire Department members, and attendees alike echoed the sentiment that the Boston Fire Department is a close-knit group, always there for one another.
Advertisement
'The Fire Department is all about family and camaraderie,' McEachern said. 'If I had a bad day, I always had someone to turn to. If I was struggling, I always had support. On your worst days and your good days, you always have someone to look to.'
The Boston Fire Department Honor Guard was inspected by Mike Fitzpatrick, a drill instructor at the Boston Fire Academy, before the graduation ceremony.
David L Ryan/ Globe Staff
Katarina Schmeiszer can be reached at
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Boston Globe
19 hours ago
- Boston Globe
71 graduates join Boston Fire Department in a historic graduation ceremony in Seaport
She was also one of the 20 recruits who first completed the two-year cadet program, which involves classroom and on-site training. This is the first year that the academy has also welcomed cadets into its program. McEachern, like the other cadets part of this academy class, completed her cadet training before starting at the academy. Loud cheers from family and friends welcomed the recruits into the room at the Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center, following a heartfelt video showing pictures from the recruits during their training. The Boston Fire Honor Guard performed the posting of the colors, and Boston Fire Acapella sang the national anthem to kick off the festivities. Advertisement The ceremony hosted a wide variety of speakers, including Paul Burke, the chief of the department and commissioner; Scott Malone, the deputy chief of training; and Kenneth Hayes, captain and drillmaster, who worked with the recruits along with a team of instructors during their time at the academy. Advertisement Burke congratulated the recruits on their hard work and encouraged them to continue learning as they step into their new careers. 'As you begin your career in your respective fire houses, I encourage you to take the time to truly learn your job. The academy has given you a strong foundation; now it's your responsibility to build on it,' Burke said. He also said that this graduating class had a lot of 'firsts,' making them a special crowd. 'They were the first class to include cadets. They were the first class for Deputy Chief Malone and Captain Hayes. They're the first graduating class from the newly named Captain Leo T. Sullivan Fire Academy. They're the first to perform a live training session at night, where they had live fires in the dark. They did a great job. They're the first to enjoy a family day last Sunday... and the first [class] to have seven women graduate,' Burke said. Paige McEachern (center) was one of the women to graduate. David L Ryan/ Globe Staff Women in fire departments are still few and far between all across the nation. According to a 2020 US Fire Department Profile by the National Fire Protection Association, only 9 percent of all firefighters in the United States are female, only 5 percent of career firefighters are women, and only 11 percent of volunteer firefighters are women. Kimberly Quiros, chief of communications for the National Volunteer Fire Council, said that more resources have been delegated to fire departments in recent years to recruit more women. The NVFC has received federal grants since 2015, focused on recruitment and retention in the volunteer fire service. 'It's definitely an area of opportunity when it comes to recruitment,' Quiros said. 'About half of the population are women, we really should be seeing higher numbers in our local departments.' Advertisement Mayor Michelle Wu also spoke at the ceremony. Along with congratulations to the graduates, Wu gave a special shoutout to the friends and family in the room who supported the recruits throughout their lives, leading up to this point. 'They made the choice to dedicate their lives to protecting their neighbors, strangers whose names they might not ever know, but who need them in that moment when they are the most important call they're going to make,' she said. 'Your graduates are rooted in community, grounded in their neighborhoods, so connected to this city that they felt called to give back. Thank you for raising these incredible leaders.' Omariah Ashley adjusted her hat before the ceremony. David L Ryan/ Globe Staff The recruits took the oath of office, followed by the presentation of their certificates and badges, and finally the union oath, officially making them a part of the Boston Fire Department. Brendan Collins, one of the graduates, was nominated by his fellow graduates to speak at the ceremony. As he reflected on his time, he spoke fondly of the friendships he formed and strength he gained, both physically and mentally. 'We've had many speakers visit us during the academy and they all start their speeches with the same phrases. 'This is the best job in the world, and you guys hit the lottery,'' Collins said. 'I can speak for every single person in the academy when I say we all truly believe that.' The graduates took their oath during the ceremony at the Menino Convention Center. David L Ryan/ Globe Staff Throughout the graduation, one topic was always at the top of everyone's mind and mentioned in every speech: family. Recruits, Fire Department members, and attendees alike echoed the sentiment that the Boston Fire Department is a close-knit group, always there for one another. Advertisement 'The Fire Department is all about family and camaraderie,' McEachern said. 'If I had a bad day, I always had someone to turn to. If I was struggling, I always had support. On your worst days and your good days, you always have someone to look to.' The Boston Fire Department Honor Guard was inspected by Mike Fitzpatrick, a drill instructor at the Boston Fire Academy, before the graduation ceremony. David L Ryan/ Globe Staff Katarina Schmeiszer can be reached at
Newsweek
21-07-2025
- Newsweek
Wedding Guest Buys Blue Dress, Horror at What She Realizes Night Before
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A Reddit user is being hailed for her quick thinking and creative wardrobe solution after narrowly avoiding a wedding guest nightmare. In a post that has since racked up 18,000 upvotes, a woman who goes by u/GranddaughterofBeryl shared how she had second thoughts about her baby blue dress as she realized something which was a major wedding etiquette no-no. "After staring at it long enough, I convinced myself it looked too close to white and might appear white or washed out in photos," she wrote. The post, titled "How I saved my baby blue dress from the dreaded 'will photograph white' nightmare," struck a chord with thousands who appreciated both the ingenuity and the respect shown to traditional wedding customs. A stock image of a woman holding a yellow and blue dress in each hand. A stock image of a woman holding a yellow and blue dress in each hand. SunnyVMD/iStock / Getty Images Plus The Hack: Baby Oil and Heat In a move praised for its daring creativity, she turned to an old memory of clothing stained by baby oil and used that logic to deepen the tone of her dress on purpose. Her step-by-step guide included: Spraying the entire dress with baby oil using a spray bottle until it was saturated. the entire dress with baby oil using a spray bottle until it was saturated. Ironing each section to heat-set the oil. each section to heat-set the oil. Resting the dress for 30 minutes in front of a heater. the dress for 30 minutes in front of a heater. Machine washing on a cool, short cycle with low spin. on a cool, short cycle with low spin. Air drying without heat or a tumble dryer. The result? A deeper, truer blue that no longer risked confusion at the ceremony. "Because it's polyester jacquard, the texture helped hide any unevenness," she wrote. "The oil subtly deepened the tone just enough to take away the 'too white' look without turning it into a full stain." The woman concluded her post with pride: "It's subtle, but it's made a big difference." Why White (and Almost-Whi te) is Taboo Newsweek spoke with wedding expert Zoe Burke, who explained why this viral fix was more than just a clever DIY—it was an act of courtesy. She said: "Wearing white to a wedding is traditionally seen as a no-no because white is strongly associated with the bride's dress," said Burke. "It's considered a sign of respect and etiquette for guests to avoid wearing white so they don't upstage or distract from the bride on her special day." Burke, the editor of wedding planner website emphasized that even pale or off-white shades—like cream, ivory, and very light blue—can pose problems, particularly under flash photography or certain lighting conditions. "They might appear too close to white in photos, especially in certain lighting," she said. She added that it's also best to avoid wearing all-black outfits, particularly for daytime weddings. As this color is often associated with mourning. She said: "Red is also a bridal color in some cultures, so if you're unsure, it's best to check in with the nearly-weds to get their opinion. "Ultimately, when choosing an outfit, guests should aim to complement the couple's style and the wedding's vibe without overshadowing the happy couple. Soft pastels, jewel tones, and classic colors like navy, burgundy, or emerald tend to be safe and stylish choices that respect tradition while allowing guests to look their best." Internet Applause: 'Wild, But You Did It' The Reddit community quickly rallied behind the post, leaving hundreds of supportive and astonished comments. One user wrote: "Girl this is wild but you did it." Another chimed in: "You took a hell of a gamble, I'm so glad it worked out well! Enjoy the wedding!" A third praised the fix for its broader usefulness: "This is absolutely brilliant! I have a shirt that I stained in a similar way. Thank you for giving me a way to fix it!" Newsweek reached out to u/GranddaughterofBeryl for comment. We could not verify the details of the case. Has a wedding come between your relationship with a loved one? Let us know via life@ We can ask experts for advice, and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
Chicago Tribune
27-06-2025
- Chicago Tribune
DuPage officials hoping user will emerge to renovate Oak Cottage in Naperville's Greene Valley Forest Preserve
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is seeking ideas in the next few months to rehabilitate and reuse the 175-year-old Oak Cottage, which is part of the Greene Valley Forest Preserve in Naperville. Located at the southeast corner of Greene and Hobson roads, the house is an example of a Greek Revival-style farmhouse from the mid-19th century built by one of the early settlers of the Naperville area, said Jessica Ortega, manager of strategic plans and initiatives for the forest district. It was listed as one of the most endangered historic places in Illinois by preservationist organization Landmarks Illinois in 2023. That same year, the DuPage forest preserve district approved the Greene Valley Master Plan, which called for a study to document the house's history and condition and create a timeline for partnering with a third party to propose a use and long-term maintenance strategy for the structure. The report was finished in March, and district officials are asking for statements of interest by Oct. 16 from people or organizations that can preserve the home's historic character. The hope is to identify a partner that can determine a way to restore and maintain the home that aligns with the district's mission of conservation, education and preservation. 'We are really open-minded right now,' Ortega said. Jane Burke, secretary of the nonprofit Naperville Preservation, said seeking a user is a step in the right direction. Oak Cottage is an important symbol of the area's early agricultural heritage nestled in a beautiful setting, she said. The organization looks forward to potential preservation proposals that will be respectful of the cottage and its history, Burke said. 'We're delighted to see the forest preserve district take this step,' she said. 'We definitely do not want it demolished.' The district has maintained the home since it acquired the property in 1983. It's painted and repaired the exterior wood siding and windows, replaced the roof and conducted asbestos abatement on the interior. But Oak Cottage has been vacant since 1983 and is in need of substantial rehabilitation, district officials said. Masonry repair work, in particular, is needed, according to the Cultural Resource Evaluation. Cracking was found at mortar joints of the stone foundation, and settlement was observed at the masonry foundation walls of the main house, the report said. Inside, there is cracked, deteriorated and missing plaster on the walls and ceiling throughout the building. There's also peeling and flaking paint, signs of water damage and biological growth in various areas, the report said. It is assumed Oak Cottage would need new plumbing, electrical work, utilities, heating and air conditioning, windows, some structural repairs and improvements that will make the home accessible to the disabled, Ortega said. While repairs are necessary, the home is in 'remarkably good condition for as old as it is,' Burke said. Kendra Parzen, advocacy manager for Landmarks Illinois, said there are users out there who are interested in adaptive reuse of historic buildings and her organization can act as a resource in the process. According to the district, the process for determining a rehabilitation and reuse includes two phases. First, statements of interest will be evaluated based on factors such as proposed reuse, preservation strategy, project funding and mission alignment. The selected applicants will then enter a second phase that requires a business plan, architectural and engineering plans, and evidence of financial and organizational support, officials said. 'If someone was able to come forward with a viable plan, it would really keep the character of the agricultural farmstead area a little more intact,' Ortega said. Landmarks Illinois called attention to Oak Cottage two years ago as one of nine culturally and architecturally significant sites across the state that faces demolition and is worth preserving. Naperville Preservation at the time encouraged the forest preserve district to find a new use for Oak Cottage to keep with their mission. Once demolished, Oak Cottage cannot be replaced, the organization said. Demolition has not been eliminated as an option moving forward but nothing has been decided, Ortega said. 'Right now we are taking it one step at a time and trying to see if someone raises their hand and shows some interest in developing the building,' she said. A site visit will be held for interested applicants July 16. Oak Cottage was built in 1850 by William B. Greene, who first arrived in DuPage County from Vermont in 1841. Greek Revival-style was popular in the U.S. from the 1820s until the Civil War, and additions to the home were built throughout the years. The balloon framing that was used was considered revolutionary in construction at the time, but fell out of favor after the Great Chicago Fire. Greene played a pivotal role in the development of the area, was instrumental in establishing the area's first store and post office, and helped lay the groundwork for the region's economic development, according to the Cultural Resource Evaluation. Greene was also known for his work in organizing the early government and infrastructure of the area that would become DuPage County. Members of the Greene family would continue to live in the home until 1981. The family donated the surrounding land and home to the forest preserve district in 1970 with an agreement that family could live at Oak Cottage until their passing. 'Today, Oak Cottage and the Greene Barn together provide a window into American agricultural settlement and the continuing development patterns of DuPage County,' Landmarks Illinois recently wrote on social media.
