Southington FD Marks July With New Firefighters, Volunteer Milestones

SOUTHINGTON, CT — The Southington Fire Department celebrated several personnel milestones in July, recognizing the accomplishments of volunteer firefighters and welcoming two new career members.

Earlier in the month, the department announced that volunteer firefighters Jake Weed, Mason Dibble, Luca Santarsiero and Tristan Medina had become interior-qualified firefighters after completing extensive training.

"After hundreds of hours of classroom instruction, hands-on training, and dedication, these members have earned the ability to operate inside structure fires as part of our firefighting team," the department said in a July 6 social media post.

Interior-qualified firefighters are trained to enter burning structures and perform firefighting and rescue operations, a significant step in a firefighter's development.

The department also announced on July 28 that it had hired two new firefighters, Ryan Tombari and Zachary Schiavi, who are scheduled to begin recruit training at the Connecticut Fire Academy on Aug. 31.

According to the department, the recruits will complete 14 weeks of intensive physical, mental and academic training to prepare for careers in the fire service.

The new hires fill a vacancy created when a career firefighter accepted a position with a neighboring department, as well as an anticipated retirement.

"We look forward to watching Ryan and Zachary grow throughout the academy and wish them the very best as they begin their careers with the Southington Fire Department," the department said.

The Southington Board of Fire Commissioners also welcomed the new firefighters in a social media post.

"The Board of Fire Commissioners would like to welcome the newest members to the family, Ryan Tombari and Zachary Schiavi," the board wrote. "Each of these men will be expected to uphold the high standards already set by their peers within the Southington Fire Department."

The department is staffed by a combination of career and volunteer firefighters who respond to emergencies throughout Southington.

For more information on the Southington Fire Department, click on this link.