Oakmont Mayor Sophia Facaros swore in eight volunteer firefighters Tuesday at the borough’s monthly work session.
Facaros chose to call on each volunteer separately to recite the oath of office.
“You all probably don’t get as much recognition as you should for the work that you do for the community,” she said. “Calling you up one by one will give people a chance to know your names and give you some of that deserved recognition.”
Levi Baer, Michael Codita, Gianni DiMarcelli, Jack Flanick, John McGuire, Mason Racicot, Anthony Tominello and Jade Vrabel all became official members of the Oakmont Volunteer Fire Department. Fire Chief Joseph Flanick said that the young men and woman have been a part of the department for some time.
“We’re excited to get these young guys into service and get them moving,” Flanick said. “Most of them are already members here and have been doing the work. We’ve just had the time now to get them sworn in.”
He said each trainee has to complete between 180 and 200 hours of training before they can even see the interior of a burning building. Finding time to balance volunteer training and their regular schedules was a challenge.
According to Phyllis J. Anderson, assistant borough manager, Oakmont has the unique issue of dealing with a surplus of volunteer firefighters, leaving Flanick having to order more equipment for new recruits.
Flanick said he could not describe how much he appreciates the support the department receives from community members.
The mayor’s reply:
“Well, I think we appreciate you guys more than you appreciate us.”
