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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