Southwick firefighters Michael Ferrararccio and Michael Kennedy are joined by Chief Richard Anderson during a pinning ceremony where the two men were named lieutenants. (Photo submitted)
SOUTHWICK – The Southwick Fire Department has two new lieutenants with the promotion of Michael Farrararccio and Michael Kennedy.
The two men were appointed last month and officially pinned last week during a ceremony at the fire station.
Ferrararccio, 25, is a Southwick native who joined the department two years ago. The volunteer firefighter is also a mechanic and co-owner of an excavation company. He said becoming a firefighter is something he always wanted to do.
“I have wanted to do this for a while,” he said. “As a kid, I wanted to do this, so I signed up and went to the academy.”
Ferrararccio said he enjoys helping people.
“I want to assist people whenever I can,” he said.
Ferrararccio grew up in Southwick and attened St. Mary schools in Westfield and graduated from Cathedral High School. After attending a technical college, he returned to the area.
Ferrararccio’s skills as a mechanic come in handy as the manager of the SFD’s fleet maintenance.
Kennedy, 52, is a Westfield resident who joined the department 18 months ago. A truck driver by day, Kennedy was previously a member of the Hatfield volunteer fire department.
“When I moved to Westfield I looked to join the Southwick department,” he said.
When Chief Richard Anderson took over the helm of the SFD, Kennedy’s application was approved.
Kennedy became a firefighter 10 years ago and said it was something he thought about over the years. When he saw an advertisement for volunteers in Hatfield, he seized the opportunity. He graduated from the fire academy and is currently working on his EMT certification.
“I really enjoy it,” he said about being a firefighter. “If I had gotten into it when I was younger I would have done it full time.”
Kennedy said he enjoys meeting new people, helping people in need, and his co-workers.
“I like the guys here and we have great building and good equipment,” said Kennedy.
As lieutenants, Kenendy and Ferrararccio have more responsibilities, including taking on a duty shift each week, and acting as commander when first on scene at an incident.
