WESTFIELD—The city’s fire commission chose a new captain for the Westfield Fire Department.
The commission chose Westfield firefighter Michael Szenda for the position of captain for the Westfield Fire Department during yesterday’s meeting. Michael Szenda was chosen from among three candidates, all from the department, including one that was acting captain for the department. The other two candidates for the position were a currently-acting captain Christopher King, as well as firefighter Joseph Szenda.
Members of the Westfield Fire Commission (left) look on as Westfield Fire Capt. Michael Szenda (middle) is sworn in by city clerk Karen Fanion (right).
According to Westfield Fire Commissioner Albert Masciadrelli, the three were interviewed by four fire chiefs from different departments as part of the interview and prescreening process. These four chiefs were chosen among 12, according to a representative from the city’s Human Resources Department at the meeting. Their findings included rankings of the candidates that were provided to the commission during the meeting and each candidate was asked the same questions.
“You three gentlemen I admire you, you went through a lot. The four chiefs that interviewed you, I certainly wouldn’t want to be in front of them,” Masciadrelli said.
“All three of you did very well,” he added.
Michael Szenda has been on the department for over 11 years and also spent time serving as an acting captain for a period of time. He was previously trained as an EMT-Basic and had become an EMT-Intermediate.
In addition, Michael Szenda said during a brief interview with the commission that he was also a personal trainer for 10 years, received a bachelors degree in business and has several certifications related to firefighter training. He also has volunteered time to youth sports in the city, he said.
King has been on the department for about 16 and a half years, including serving as an acting captain for the department. According to King, he received certifications for EMT-Basic and EMT-Paramedic previously. He is the only paramedic from the three.
Joseph Szenda has spent 20 years on the department, in addition to six years in the US Army, and received his EMT-Basic certification. He said that he received a bachelors in business management and has also helped negotiate a number of contracts with the city on behalf of the fire department. He also has worked on creating a scholarship in honor of fallen firefighter Kevin Regan, he said.
Michael Szenda’s promotion was ordered to take effect today, Sept. 6, and he was sworn into the position by the fire commission and city clerk Karen Fanion following the commission’s decision yesterday. The position was made vacant and was filled with acting captains since February 2016.
