UTICA, NY — March 4th — The Utica Fire Department had a swearing-in ceremony to welcome three new probationary firemen. Justin Kain, Aldan Brown, and Christopher Mendoza were sworn in as new members of the department by Chief of Department Ingersoll, Mayor Michael Galime, and Public Safety Commissioner Mark Getz. Following further in-house training with the department's training staff, probationary firefighters Kain and Brown, who have already finished their fire academy training, will start their field assignments.

Before beginning operational responsibilities, Recruit Mendoza will attend the fire academy to finish the necessary training.

Firefighter safety, emergency medical response, rescue operations, and fire suppression are all commonly taught in fire school programs. The new firemen will bolster staffing and emergency response coverage across the City of Utica, according to department officials.