New Rochelle Graduates 14 From First Ever Firefighter Career Pathway Program With The Boys And Girls Club

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Things might sometimes seem rough lately, but the future is in food hands.

Fourteen young adults graduated from the inaugural Firefighter Career Pathway Program in New Rochelle on May 11, marking the end of a 12-week partnership between the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle and the New Rochelle Fire Department. The graduation was held at the Mascaro Clubhouse. The program was conceived to prepare participants for next steps toward careers in public service and emergency response.

The program enrolled 20 participants and ran from Feb. 23 through May 11. Those who met a 75 percent attendance requirement received Certificates of Completion and a $400 stipend.

Organizers said the program included career readiness workshops, mentorship and hands-on training with the fire department, with preparation aimed in part at opportunities including the 2027 firefighter examination cycle.

“This class exceeded expectations and I hope to see many of these graduates enter the upcoming Fire Academy,” Fire Commissioner Andrew Sandor said.

Training covered financial literacy, resume writing, mock interviews, leadership development and workplace communication, according to the announcement. Participants also received instruction from the New Rochelle Fire Department in mock physical agility testing, civil service exam preparation, CPR and EMS training, and demonstrations involving fire apparatus and emergency response equipment.

“This program gave young adults direct exposure to career opportunities they may not otherwise have access to while helping them build the professional and personal skills needed for long-term success,” said Becky Mazzanobile, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle. “We’re grateful for the Mariano Foundation Career Development Program, which supports the Club’s workforce development initiatives and creates meaningful pathways into public safety, emergency services and other career opportunities for local youth.”

Capt. Frank Gagliardo, head of the New Rochelle Fire Department Training Division, said participants showed growth during the program.

“From the very beginning, they were engaged and asked thoughtful questions,” Gagliardo said. “Each week they built on what they learned previously, and it was impressive to watch that growth continue throughout the program.”

Capt. Anthony Cruciata Jr. said the group developed stronger teamwork and confidence over time.

“This program gave me a true look into the fire department and their day-to-day operations,” explained.

The Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle said it is now recruiting adults ages 18 to 24 for Police, Firefighter and EMS/EMT Career Pathway Programs scheduled to begin in June.

Participant Mayza Lins Santos de Oliveira said, “What stood out most to me was how supportive and welcoming the firefighters were throughout the program.”

More information is available at bgcnr.org/programs-services/workforce-development-programs/.