Academy Graduates (Back row) Chief of Police Brian Fahey, Public Safety Officer/EMT Mary Bredenfoerder, Rep. Leigh Davis, HHC Paramedic Amy Gemetro, FF/EMT Cianna Ferraro, Lt. Vincent Porcaro, Captain Collin Wolfe, Lt. Joshua Ramirez, FF/EMT Cameron Nearey, Chief Engineer Brian Reynolds, FF John Boulais, FF/Paramedic Grace Huskey, FF/EMT Travis Dingus. (Front) Fire Chief Michael Grillo, Dep. Fire Chief Chris Colonair, Asst. Fire Chief Douglas Miner. (Photo: Josie Miner.)

The Sandisfield Fire Department celebrated dedication, service, and heroism during a graduation and awards ceremony June 14 at the Sandisfield Arts Center. More than 70 family members, friends, and community supporters gathered to honor newly certified firefighters and recognize first responders whose actions helped save a life earlier this year.

The afternoon began with a hearty luncheon of pasta, meatballs, salad, and desserts served by volunteers Barbara Cormier, Patricia Hubbard, and Zoe Nelson. Proud parents, siblings, grandparents, and even a few babies filled the room as the community came together to celebrate its hometown heroes.

A highlight of the event was the recognition of five fire fighters who recently earned Firefighter I certification through the Litchfield County Regional Fire School. Firefighter I is the foundational national standard for career and volunteer firefighters, requiring months of classroom instruction, hands-on training, drills, and examinations.

The five graduates were Travis Dingus, Grace Huskey, Cameron Nearey, Vincent Porcaro, and John Boulais. Deputy Fire Chief Chris Colonair praised the graduates for their commitment and thanked their families for supporting them throughout the demanding training process.

“Firefighter I certification is more than a piece of paper,” Colonair said. “It is a national standard. It means these members have proven they can perform safely, effectively, and professionally. It means that when someone in Sandisfield calls 911, the people arriving are trained to the same level as firefighters in major cities – just with better scenery on the drive.”

In one of the ceremony’s most moving moments, family members were invited to the stage to pin each graduate with a Sandisfield Fire Department badge, symbolizing their transition from department member to certified firefighter.

The event also recognized six Fire and EMS personnel whose quick a ctions contributed to the successful resuscitation and survival of a community member on Easter Sunday. Each received a crystal 2026 Lifesaving Award in recognition of exceptional teamwork, rapid intervention, advanced medical care, and professionalism.

“They performed at the highest level when every second mattered,” said Fire Chief Michael Grillo. “Because of their actions, someone is alive today. There is no greater accomplishment in public safety than preserving human life.”

Although the town was not able to afford a Lifepack 15 cardiac monitor this year (approximate cost $27,000), the EMS team happened to have a demo unit on hand for a 90-day test period, which proved instrumental in the save.

Recipients of the 2026 Lifesaving Award were EMS Lieutenant Vincent Porcaro, Firefighter/EMT Cameron Nearey, Fire Lieutenant Josh Ramirez, Firefighter/EMT Cianna Ferraro, Sandisfield Police Officer Mary Bredenfoerder, and Hartford HealthCare Paramedic Amy Gemetro.

The Sandisfield Arts Center was an ideal venue for the celebration, offering ample space for dining and a stage large enough to accommodate department leaders, graduates, honorees, and distinguished guests. Among those attending was State Representative Leigh Davis of the 3rd Berkshire District, who presented Massachusetts House of Representatives citations to the recipients of the lifesaving awards.

The partnership between the Fire Department and the Arts Center helped make the event especially memorable. Center board member Josie Miner suggested the venue because of its spacious layout, formal stage, and new kitchen facilities, while fellow board member Jean Atwater-Williams provided professional lighting and sound.

The ceremony served as a reminder that behind every emergency response are hours of training, dedicated volunteers, supportive families, and a community that values service above self.

To learn more about the Sandisfield Fire Department, visit www.sandisfieldfire.com.