Utica Fire Academy Class 16 was the smallest in terms of size, but the it was apparent that the recruits had a long lineage of public service, particularly in the fire service. A dozen recruits graduated the 14-week training program on Friday, the 'leanest' of the 16 classes, according to Utica Fire Chief Russ Brooks. Although, Brooks said that the recruits benefitted in terms of the recruit-to-instructor ratio.

The recruits come from all across the state and in the this class, just two of the new firefighters will join the UFD. Five will return home to join the Arlington Fire Department, two are from Scotia, and the remaining three are now members of the Oriskany, Fayetteville and Troy departments.

For several of the firefighters, they are following in the foot-steps of their father's.--and the graduation's Badge Presentation showed it. Firefighter Dave Grundon and Dave Roberts, Jr, both from Arlington, received their badges from their fathers--Chip Grundon is a member of the department while Dave Roberts, Sr, is Arlington's Fire Chief. Newly certified Oriskany Firefighter Brian Midlam received also received his badge from his father, Oriskany Fire Chief Jeff Midlam. Jon Wayand, who is from Troy, had his badge put on by his father and grandfather, Tom and Don Wayand--both retired from the Troy Fire Department. The trend is also true in Utica. Travis Maurine and Rocco Piccione are the newest members of the UFD. Piccione's badge was put on his coat by his father Pat Piccione, a current member of the UFD.

Brooks says this is actually quite common. "For example, Chief [Andre] Esposito's father and grandfather were both Utica Firefighters. My father is a retired Utica Fire Captain, and my son is now a firefighter."