New firefighters enhance safety at U.S. Army Garrison Italy

VICENZA, Italy – U.S. Army Garrison Italy firefighters welcomed 17 rookies into their ranks during a May 30 graduation ceremony held on Caserma Ederle.

It’s the second class to complete the firefighter academy class. They come from all walks of life and have a twenty-year range of ages. One recently just finished her PhD in genetics. Another was a travelling chainsaw technician.

For Stefano Sartori, becoming a garrison firefighter was a step into his brother’s previously-tread past. Sartori’s brother Matteo graduated last year, and they now serve together at USAG Italy.

“It was a dream when I was little and now, I realize it,” Stefano Sartori said. “Here we are a community. We are here for protecting the community.”

These firefighters will eventually support U.S. Soldiers and families on the Ederle and Villaggio housing areas, currently under construction. When completed, in the coming years, there will be 478 townhouses and apartments on post.

“You are now charged with an important mission to provide vital, lifesaving services to this community, of which you are now a part,” said Lt. Col. Leah Sanchez, the Director of Emergency Services, during the graduation.

Sanchez recognized the family and friends that took part in the ceremony and credited their support for the firefighters’ success.

Everything they learned was taught in English, when most speak Italian. For some, English is their third language. American certification was a challenge but that didn’t scare them, said Assistant Fire Chief, Rich Jones.

“It fueled their determination to complete the training, despite the language barrier,” Jones said.

The academy focused on both Italian and American rules and procedures. The training challenged them physically and mentally, said USAG Italy Fire Chief Adam Montoya.

“Six months, over 600 hours of training, countless drills, scenarios, and evaluations, and through it all, you’ve transformed,” said Montoya, during the ceremony held at the Golden Lion conference center. “You’ve become more than just a class, you’ve become firefighters.”