SWAMPSCOTT — Fire Chief Graham Archer swore in two firefighters, and the Select Board appointed 27 people across eight town committees, commissions, and boards at a meeting Wednesday.
Archer said the Fire Department’s latest additions, Gino De Giorgio and Ariana Sarro, share an abiding commitment to public service. Archer said De Giorgio is a member of the National Guard, fluent in Spanish, and studied psychology in college, which “shined through” during his interview process. Sarro previously served as a 911 dispatcher and Special Olympics coach.
“You might not be familiar with the term ‘spark’ as we use it in firefighting. A ‘spark’ is somebody who has a real interest in firefighting. If they see firetrucks go by, they follow them to see where they are going and what’s going on. They have a home scanner. They know the names of the tools we use,” Archer said. “Ariana is a classic spark. When we met her outside for her first interview, she was listening to a scanner.”
Sarro said she loves to help people and has always admired firefighters for their bravery. She said she has wanted to be a firefighter since she was young.
De Giorgio recently moved to Swampscott from Harlem, New York, and said the town’s firefighters have been welcoming.
“I love the ties firefighters hold within their community,” De Giorgio said. “Once I got here, I fell in love with the town, the community, and these guys. I’m just happy to be here.”
After reciting an oath, family members pinned their new badges. Sarro received hers from her mother, and De Giorgio received his from his brother.
“Congratulations, and know that we are counting on you,” said Sean Fitzgerald, Town Administrator. “You never do these jobs alone, so I want to thank your families for being here as well.”
Before the swearing-in, the town’s Council on Aging, Earth Removal Advisory Committee, Traffic Study Advisory Committee, and Zoning Board of Appeals received a new member. The Historical Commission and Recreation Commission each received three. The Select Board appointed six people to the Commission on Disability and 11 to Swampscott for All Ages.
“These committees are so important, and some have been lacking in membership for quite some time,” said Select Board Chair Neal Duffy. “I’m happy to see so many residents volunteering to do this important work.”
Rachel Barber can be reached at [email protected].
