LYNN — Seven new firefighters officially joined the ranks of the Lynn Fire Department Monday evening during a swearing-in ceremony held outside City Hall.
The department’s newest recruits — Jarred Dwyer, Samuel Hill, Daniel Kane, James Mamos, Lamont Milton, Phong Nguyen, and Corey Wojewodzic — were sworn in to their new roles by City Clerk Janet Rowe.
The ceremony was a jubilant one as a small crowd of family and friends gathered on the sidewalk, clapping and cheering their family members on. Some members of the fire department were also on hand to support the new firefighters.
“We are very proud to be here today,” said Fire Chief Stephen Archer after the men were sworn in and had their badges pinned to them. “They are a part of the Lynn firefighter family now.”
Dwyer said he was happy to come back home to his community in Lynn. He has been serving as a firefighter in Marblehead, but said that he was excited to be serving the city that he grew up in.
“There’s a lot of opportunities here at Lynn Fire,” said Dwyer. “It means the world to me to be coming home.”
Nguyen said that getting a chance to serve the community that helped his family when they immigrated from Vietnam is incredible. A former member of the U.S. Marine Corps who is currently serving in the National Guard, Nguyen said that he can’t wait to give back.
“It means a lot to me,” Nguyen said. “This city took me and my family in and now I can give back.”
Archer acknowledged that the swearing-in ceremony took place during a week that leads up to the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He said that it’s important to recognize those who came before them and to be inspired.
“There couldn’t be a more perfect time to hold this ceremony,” said Archer.
The Lynn Fire Department plans to hold a special ceremony in commemoration of the 9/11 attacks at its headquarters, 725 Western Ave., at 9:30 a.m. Saturday. The public is invited to attend the ceremony, which will include the Lynn Police Department, EMS personnel and local elected officials.
