Mayor Buckley: “Being a firefighter is not just a career, it’s a lifestyle choice”
From City Hall, photo (from left): Commissioner David Parmley, Mayor John Buckley, Austin Wheatcraft, Justin Morse, Chief Frank Brzozowski.
The Board of Public Safety unanimously approved appointments for Austin Wheatcraft and Justin Morse as provisional firefighter trainees at their July meeting.
Austin Wheatcraft, a 2022 graduate of Haverling Central School, has an extensive firefighting background. Chief Frank Brzozowski detailed, “Austin has worked his way up the ranks and has shown dedication to firefighting and public safety throughout his life. Starting as a junior firefighter, and working his way to senior volunteer firefighter for the Bath Volunteer Fire Department, Austin has shown he is highly motivated and dedicated. His hard-working nature was highlighted during the interview, and last year, he was recognized as responding to the most calls as a volunteer. Our department has a high call volume, and we have great expectations and believe Austin will do well for our department.”
Justin Morse, a City of Hornell resident, also has extensive firefighting experience as a volunteer with the North Hornell Fire Department. Chief Brzozowski highlighted Morse’s achievements to date, saying, “Justin has been a reliable member of the North Hornell Fire Department since 2010. He is a hard worker and was given a great review from his peers, who note that he always gets the job done. Justin has already taken the Civil Service exam and passed, and is currently working on obtaining his EMT certification. We are excited for Justin to bring his commitment and dedication to our team.”
Mayor John Buckley noted during the meeting, “We are very excited for both of you to join our department. Being a firefighter is not just a career, it’s a lifestyle choice. You are dedicating yourselves to public service and responding to the needs of residents when they need you most. We look forward to seeing the positive impact you will make in our community.”
The appointments for Wheatcraft and Morse are effective immediately.
