By Stephanie Irvine
The Manhattan Fire Protection District welcomed 13 new firefighters, two full-time firefighters, and 11 part-time firefighters to the district in a swearing-in ceremony October 17.
The ceremony took place in the Station 81 garage, which was nicely decorated and included plenty of seating, plus food, treats, and refreshments for attendees afterward.
Deputy Chief Dave Piper welcomed everyone with an opening statement that contained a meaningful piece of advice for the new firefighters.
“Our fire service career begins with a date and ends with a date,” Piper said.
“That little dash between the two dates is probably the most important thing that happens to not only our firefighters but also the community we serve. Because that little dash is the service that we provide to everybody each and every day, and how you provide that service — how you show up to work every day, your attitude, behavior — is everything to this organization, the culture, and those we serve,” Piper explained.
The two full-time firefighters, Jakob Magurany and Jack Newton were sworn in first.
When asked what made him want to be a firefighter, Newton explained he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do in high school but started the cadet program to learn more about the fire service and then completely fell in love with it.
“I started my career part-time in Peotone, tested full-time, and Manhattan hired me,” Newton said of how he ended up at MFPD.
Once he had been sworn in, Newton was looking forward to “building a career and a better base of qualifications, building relationships with other firefighters and officers, and just becoming a better person.”
Unlike Newton, Magurany always knew he wanted to be a firefighter since childhood. He started as a part-time firefighter EMT in Chicago Ridge and went through the Morris paramedic program. He completed his ride-along at MFPD and he, too, fell in love with the department.
Both Magurany and Newton were thrilled to begin their full-time careers with MFPD.
During the ceremony, Fire Chaplain Pat Forsythe gave the invocation, reminding the new firefighters of the district and community’s trust in them.
“They’ll trust that when that tone goes off, you’re going to respond. And sometimes, human life will be hanging in the balance. Trust is a sacred thing. So keep that in mind when taking your oath tonight,” Forsythe said before offering a prayer.
During the special ceremony, loved ones pinned badges on the new firefighters, and they took their oath of office before their signatures made it official.
New part-time firefighter Frank Greco had a good family friend who retired from MFPD and helped steer him toward Manhattan and mentor him in his career.
“It’s been great. I’m learning a lot, and I’m loving it here. Every station is awesome. I love the guys,” Greco said of his time thus far with Manhattan. Greco is currently in medic school, so he’s looking forward to completing that, advancing his career, and continuing to work in Manhattan.
Both Greco and his wife, Stephanie, were all smiles after the ceremony.
“I’m so proud of him. I know he’s put in a lot of work. I’m just so proud of all the work he’s done and all that he’s accomplished,” Stephanie Greco said.
Piper explained that having a large pool of part-time employees is a benefit. It means the district would never be short-staffed — they’d always have qualified candidates to choose from when the need arises. During COVID, departments all over, including MFPD, struggled to find recruits.
“It’s really nice to have the young firefighters who are eager to learn, who want to work hard, who are super smart, educated, and we can mold them to serve the Manhattan District. We are super fortunate,” Piper explained after the ceremony.
“The benefit we have is that all the people who come in, get trained, and go on to other departments are very successful,” Piper continued, explaining that the MFPD’s solid reputation and positive culture have resulted in a waiting list for part-time people who want to work at MFPD.
Before being sworn in, all firefighters have to complete a year-long probationary period, which included training and countless emergency calls in which the new firefighters would “demonstrate their skills, knowledge, abilities, and love of the job, as well as the ability to fit into our organization,” Chief Steve Malone said.
Helen and Tim Pecho were at the ceremony to support their son, Carmen, who was pinned as a part-time firefighter. He also recently graduated medic school. The Pecho’s daughter was the first family member to join the fire service, and Carmen followed in her footsteps. The Pecho’s youngest son is currently in school to be a firefighter.
“I couldn’t be any more proud,” Helen Pecho said before continuing, “Everybody is wonderful. My son loves working here. He loves these men, the camaraderie, the family.”
Tim Pecho added that he was ecstatic for his son.
Several trustees and commissioners were also in attendance for the ceremony and celebration afterward. Catching up with the trustees after the ceremony brought many well-wishes for the new firefighters.
“Congratulations to the new recruits!” Trustee Nick Kotchou said, with Board of Trustees President Bill Moncrief adding, “They just joined the best department there is, that’s for sure.”
The attendees’ pride in the firefighters they came to support was evident, with veteran firefighters, retirees, MFPD staff, parents, spouses, and loved ones all watching with beaming smiles, recording and taking pictures.
“Remember why we chose this profession. It’s about serving the people and not ourselves. Always remember that every day you come on shift, you should be learning something new and passing something down to other firefighters,” Malone said before adding, “Always remember the big four: Do your job, treat people right, give an all-out effort, and an all-in attitude.”
Stephanie Irvine is a freelance reporter.