A new firefighter, Christopher Augustine, has officially joined the ranks of the Wilton Fire Department. Augustine’s swearing-in ceremony took place on Friday, May 2.
“A swearing in ceremony is always a great day, not just for the new hire, but for the department as well,” Fire Department Chief Jim Blanchfield said. “[It’s] a day where family, coworkers and friends assemble and congratulate you on the hard work you have put in so far — and going forward, the even harder work you will have to put in and for your commitment to a career dedicated to public service.”
Also in attendance were First Selectman Toni Boucher; Town Administrator Matt Knickerbocker; Augustine’s father, Ted Augustine; his mother, Diane Augustine, and her partner, retired Wilton Fire Lieutenant Greg Kitik.
Town Clerk Lori Kaback officiated over the proceedings, while Captain William Wilson presented Augustine with his fire helmet and Kitik pinned his Wilton badge.
Blanchfield noted the rigor of Augustine’s preparations for the job, which included written and oral examinations; a physical agility test; an interview process with the chief as well as Fire Commission members; and extensive background checks and certification verifications.
“It’s a bit of a gauntlet, but for those who chose to pursue it, like Chris, we think the efforts are worth it,” Blanchfield said. “In short, Chris’ background and training demonstrates his commitment and passion to this career.”
Blanchfield highlighted Augustine’s certifications which include the level of Firefighter 2, Hazardous Material Operational Level, Fire Instructor and Fire Officer. He holds degrees from Norwalk Community College in criminal justice and from Capital Community College in paramedic studies. He is also a graduate of the Connecticut Fire Academy. He previously served as a firefighter and paramedic for the Ridgefield Fire Department where he received multiple Unit Citations, the Ridgefield Star of Life Award, and the Award of Merit for exceptional service and ability to deescalate a violent situation.
Boucher also offered some remarks at Friday’s ceremony, addressing Augustine personally about his “extraordinary” role and assuring him of Wilton’s commitment to the department:
“Christopher, as a firefighter, you face potentially life-threatening situations every time you respond to an alarm. Oftentimes, you will know very little about the emergencies you face as you rush from the station [and] the demands on your skills set will constantly be evolving and expanding, as the nature of the threats you face morph into something new,” she said. “This career path requires some knowledge of biology, chemistry, human psychology and plenty of mechanical engineering— not to mention, the willingness to put aside your personal safety for the sake of others. Finding all of this in one single individual is extraordinary.”
“Believe me when I say that Wilton knows how lucky we are to have you,” she added. “Having emergency personnel like yourself on our front lines safeguarding our community gives the chief and town leaders much greater peace of mind. Please know that everyone here stands ready to support you as you grow in your role as a first responder — and Wilton is committed to providing you and our fire department with all that you need to do your job well.”
Augustine is filling an existing open firefighter position. Blanchfield has proposed two additional firefighters in the budget for next year.