Cortland Fire Swears in Two New Firefighters – Will Train at NYS Fire Academy

Last Tuesday, the City of Cortland Fire Department welcomed two new career firefighters during a swearing in ceremony at Cortland Fire Headquarters on Court Street in Downtown Cortland. Noah Guernsey and Addison Brown both took the oath of office to be sworn in as firefighters for the city. Administering the oath was Cortland Mayor Scott Steve.

Cortland Fire says both Guernsey and Brown were selected from an eligibility list from Civil Service testing; they both performed well in an interview process in addition to the testing results.

“We are always excited to see new energetic firefighters come on board for the Fire Department” stated Fire Chief Wayne Friedman. “The rejuvenation for the entire department is evident and although we are sad to see members retire, watching new members start their career is exciting”.

Both Guernsey and Brown bring in previous experience as well. They both served as “bunkers” with Cortland Fire. The role had them ride along with duty shifts and perform all aspects of firefighter and other important duties/functions. They also have volunteered with other local departments in the Cortland area with Guernsey a member of the McGraw Fire Department and Brown a member of Virgil Fire.

The two new members will go through training and orientation for two weeks before they head to the New York State Fire Academy in Montour Falls on the 21st. The academy is 15 weeks of Recruit Firefighter training. Once completed, both will be assigned to a regular duty shift as probationary firefighters.