By Susan Bush 12:00AM / Wednesday, August 16, 2006
John S.Paciorek and Robert J. Patenaude were sworn in as full-time North Adams Fire Department firefighters by Mayor John Barrett III on Aug. 14. [submitted photo]
North Adams - Two permanent reserve city firemen were sworn in as full-time members of the city's fire department during an Aug. 14 ceremony.
City resident Robert J. Patenaude and Adams resident John S. Paciorek were sworn in to their posts by Mayor John Barrett III during a City Hall ceremony.
"It's good to be putting people back on the department," Barrett said during an Aug. 16 interview."We'd like to bring a couple more on by the end of the year."
Paciorek and Patenaude have solid firefighting backgrounds, Barrett said.
Paciorek had been a city permanent reserve firefighter since 2002 and Patenaude began his reservist tenure in 2003. As permanent reserve firefighters, Patenaude and Paciorek filled in during firefighter vacations and other specific instances.
"They have good heads on their shoulders," Barrett said.
"They are very knowledgeable firefighters," said city fire department Director Stephen Meranti. "They are welcome additions to this department."
Patenaude's appointment highlights a family tradition; his father, Bruce Patenaude, his grandfather Jack LeClair and uncle John LeClair Jr. all served as city firefighters.
Meranti and city Commissioner of Public Safety E. John Morocco attended the swearing-in ceremony.