News Release - Mayor Warren Welcomes New Firefighters, Including First African American Female to Graduate Academy

City of Rochester

News Release

 (Friday, July 21, 2017) – Mayor Lovely A. Warren today extended her gratitude and congratulations to the graduates of the Rochester Fire Academy class of 2017, which includes the first African-American female in the 200 year history of the Rochester Fire Department to graduate from the Academy.

“As Rochester’s first African-American female Mayor, I am honored and proud to congratulate Firefighter Alissa Turner for being the first to pass yet another significant milestone in our city’s history,” Mayor Warren said. “I look forward to the day when there are no more of these diversity milestones to pass, but until that day comes, I will be more than happy to celebrate each one. Firefighter Turner’s graduation today demonstrates that we are making progress in our efforts to make sure our Fire Department and all of our uniformed services are a reflection of the citizens they serve.”

Firefighter Turner will be among 19 recruits to graduate at a ceremony to be held at 6 p.m. tonight at the firefighters union's new union hall at 65 Hudson Ave.

In addition to Firefighter Turner, the new firefighters are: Joseph Cilento; Joseph Dupra; Scott Erbland; Taylor Kolmer; Jonathan Lewter; Jason Lipincyk; Shawn Molina; Daniel Portillo; Johnathan Quinones; Brandon Reed; Casey Reinhardt; James Schell; Tyler Schier; Connor Teresi; George Wade; Daniel Witkowski; Alexander Wood; and John Zajac.

Another group of firefighters, who had already completed Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training before beginning the Academy, graduated in May. They are: Charles Cicero; Ryan Faulkner; Candace Freese; Oscar Herrera; Jared Kase; Louis Mandel; Augusto Manon; John Menguy; Cameron Michaelree; Kevin Russo; Connor Smith; Douglas Vorndran; Benjamin Yackel; and Joshua Zimmerman.

"Each of these firefighters is willing to risk their lives to make Rochester a safer place for all our citizens and visitors,” said Mayor Warren. “I am grateful for their willingness and commitment to serve our city and wish them the best of luck in their careers.”

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News Media: For more information, contact Press Office Jessica Alaimo at 428-7135.
 

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Fire Safety