Recruits graduate from fire training academy

October 9, 2008 05:41 PM Email| Comments (0)| Text size – +

By Martin Finucane, Globe Staff

With proud friends and family looking on, 46 new firefighters received their silver badges today at a ceremony at Florian Hall in Dorchester.

Boston Firefighter Michael P. Tuohy, 31, of Dorchester said the day was an "absolute dream come true. ... My father's been on the job for over 36 [years] and I'm just proud to carry on his legacy."

The vast majority of the fire academy graduating class will work in the Boston Fire Department. Several are headed for jobs in the Chelsea, Malden, and Dedham departments.

Mayor Thomas M. Menino was among the officials who addressed the cadets during the ceremony.

"As public servants, you have the unique opportunity to improve people's lives, to make a positive difference and shape the future of our city. ... On behalf of the people of Boston, I thank you in advance for your dedication and sacrifice," he said.

The fire department has endured some negative publicity recently as the union and the city have been mired in a bitter contract dispute. But several cadets said they had never let the hubbub distract them from attaining their goals.

"I've just always been really proud of the fire department, so it's an honor to join them," said Deanna McDevitt, 28, of South Boston, a third-generation Boston firefighter. "It's really exciting."