The Verona Fire Department recently had seven members graduate from the Essex County Fire Academy Firefighter I program, the largest VFD contingent through the program in some time.
Pictured above (left to right) are Probationary Firefighter Mike DeSomma, VFD Auxiliary member AJ Pengue, VFD Auxiliary member Matt Malloy, and VFD Auxiliary member Colin Pope. Not pictured are Probationary Firefighter Joe Clark, Auxiliary member Joe Kubaki and Auxiliary member Nate Berman.
Firefighter DeSomma is assigned to Engine Co. #1 and Firefighter Clark is assigned to Truck Co. #2. The Auxiliary members will be assigned to a station once they become probationary firefighters.
The Verona Fire Department is an all-volunteer fire department, and is always interested in adding members. Anyone who is at least 18 but not yet 45 who has lived in Verona for at least six months may apply to join the VFD as a full member. People between the ages of 16 and 21 may join as an auxiliary member. All new members receive training from the Verona Fire Department and can go to any state-authorized fire academy at no cost. For more details on joining the VFD, see its website.
