Troy, New York, celebrated the graduation of ten new firefighters who have successfully completed an intensive training program. This milestone brings the Troy Fire Department to full capacity, according to Mayor Carmella Mantello. Although the department is currently staffed adequately, the mayor noted that upcoming retirements in the new year could impact numbers.
The city has made significant investments to bolster the department, including the addition of four new positions, overtime funding, and enhanced support for emergency medical technician (EMT) services. “Graduating ten firefighters is a huge step forward,” Mantello stated. “Our firefighters are also EMTs and attend Hudson Valley courses throughout the year.”
Public safety remains a top priority for the city. Mantello emphasized the importance of providing the necessary tools, equipment, and workforce to ensure effective emergency responses. The training program has evolved over the past few years, transitioning in-house, which has contributed to improved camaraderie between instructors and recruits. “You can only imagine the firefighters being trained by their mentors and colleagues,” she said, highlighting the positive effects of this collaborative atmosphere.
The city of Troy has become a model for surrounding communities in terms of ambulance services, largely due to ongoing investments. Other municipalities have begun sending their recruits to Troy’s firefighting program. During the graduation ceremony, three additional recruits were recognized for their future roles as full-time firefighters in the City of Rensselaer and the City of Saratoga.
Troy’s history in emergency services dates back to the 1990s when it was one of the first municipalities in the state to operate a city-run ambulance service. “It’s a really big deal, and other municipalities look at us as a model now,” Mantello added.
The impact of the new graduates extends beyond operational numbers. The mayor shared her personal experience with fire rescue squads, noting, “My younger son has epilepsy, among other special needs and complications, and I have had to call 911 various times. I have seen our firefighters firsthand in action—they are second to none.”
In addition to the recent graduations, the city is advancing plans to construct a new firehouse. Mantello described the current facility as outdated and mentioned that a preliminary design phase had been completed. “We are now in the final design. It will be going out to bid very soon, and we will be breaking ground in 2026 with completion expected in 2027,” she confirmed.
The new firehouse is anticipated to significantly enhance the department’s readiness and response capabilities. “It’s going to be huge,” Mantello said. “Our job here is to have long-term investment. I see it as a great investment into that neighborhood and the city long-term, acting as a catalyst for growth.”
The graduation of these ten firefighters not only adds to the city’s emergency response capabilities but also symbolizes the commitment of Troy’s leadership to prioritize public safety and community well-being. As the city continues to invest in its fire department, the future looks promising for both the recruits and the residents they serve.
