Three Probationary Firefighters Graduate from the Westchester Career Chief's Fire Academy
 
By Firefighter Alex Vergo
January 23, 2015
 

Three Probationary Firefighters from the Hartsdale Fire District recently graduated from the Westchester Career Chief's Fire Academy, located at the Westchester County Fire Training Center in Valhalla, NY. Led by Academy Director Deputy Chief FJ Spinelli of the Hartsdale Fire District, Probationary Firefighters Tim Collins, Kerry Merkel, and Chris Gallo, along with 22 other students of various NYS Career Fire Departments, successfully completed 18 weeks of vigorous hands on and classroom training. Courses included varying topic from basic to advanced firefighter training, to Hazardous Material Technician certification, and becoming medically qualified as a Certified First Responder. We would also like to recognize Probationary Firefighter Kerry Merkel for not only serving as his class President, but also graduating as the valedictorian of his peers. Congratulations, Brother's. Keep up the good work.
 
Deputy Chief FJ Spinelli (Academy Director)
Deputy Chief FJ Spinelli (Academy Director)
Class President and Valedictorian Probationary Firefighter Kerry Merkle and Co-Director Lieutenant Dave Russel (FDNY, Ret.)
Class President and Valedictorian Probationary Firefighter Kerry Merkle and Co-Director Lieutenant Dave Russel (FDNY, Ret.)
 
Lieutenant Robert Odindo (FD Mount Vernon) and Probationary Firefighter Tim Collins
Lieutenant Robert Odindo (FD Mount Vernon) and Probationary Firefighter Tim Collins
Lieutenant Robert Odindo (FDMV) and Probationary Firefighter Chris Gallo
Lieutenant Robert Odindo (FDMV) and Probationary Firefighter Chris Gallo
 
L-R Probationary Firefighters Chris Gallo, Tim Collins, Kerry Merkle, Chief Edward Rush (Hartsdale FD), Deputy Chief FJ Spinelli (Hartsdale FD)
L-R Probationary Firefighters Chris Gallo, Tim Collins, Kerry Merkle, Chief Edward Rush (Hartsdale FD), Deputy Chief FJ Spinelli (Hartsdale FD)