Mike Colón Media

On the culmination of a 6-month journey for 33 brand new New Haven Firefighters

Friday, July 25, 2025. A date I’d thought about for quite some time. That’d be the date that after a long and intensive six months of training, graduation would finally take place and I’d be onto my career as a firefighter in my hometown. As you all know by now, fate unfortunately took a different hand and my pursuit of the best job a mortal man can have won’t conclude but rather go on at least for a little while longer.

Yet, this isn’t about me. If you’d like to read into my specific situation and journey, the above link will fill you in. This is about the 33 others who were able to make it and on a sweltering hot, sunny Friday in July, were able to finally take that deep breath after several months of learning components of EMS, HazMat, and of course fire suppression and prevention that will suit them to respond to the needs of a city with over 130,000 residents and one of the busiest in terms of call volume both state and nationwide.

Now, at least for the moment before they move on to the next chapter of learning their firehouses and crews they’ll be spending at the very least the beginning if not the entirety of their careers with, they can breath. It’s a feeling that was thought about from the very beginning and undoubtedly a motivator throughout all the mentally and physically exhausting moments a fire academy can throw one’s way.

PT, sometimes involving “sugar cookies” in the rain (if you know you know). Long runs around the city. Running towers, sometimes in full structural firefighting PPE, ladders, live burns, the written tests, and practicals in which so much was on the line. Was there risk involved? Absolutely. But they were all committed to the cause because the reward waiting for them at the end, a reward they at last received on Friday was more than worth it.

The stories of each varied. There were those from military backgrounds like Cristian Carreon, Matt Long, Angelo Moriello, Jeff Mahon, and Steve Bittel. Some were continuing the family tradition of firefighting, more specifically New Haven firefighting like Mike Parker, Robbie Celentano, and Josue Vega. Celentano and Parker sons of New Haven Captains. Vega the proud son of a New Haven Lieutenant. There were the laterals from other fire departments such as Chelsea Curreri who came from Westport, the aforementioned Bittel who came from Stratford and Long, as well as Justin Sansone and Chuck Aristide who each came from Milford. Then there were the first generation firefighters. Teno Simpson, Joe Aviles, Ayanna Bruno, Andrea Emery, Markus Wright, Devin Smith and so many more.

We all walked in imperfectly perfect strangers on that brutally cold February morning which feels like a lifetime ago. They walk out ready to serve their city, most of this graduating class, 61% to be exact, residents of this city. Knowing it well and undoubtedly helping it tenfold over what will hopefully be long and successful careers.

They’ll be plenty of fires, New Haven after all had 110 of them last year, and they won’t forget their first one undoubtedly. The sheer constant busyness of the city, one that saw over 36,000 emergency calls in 2024, will give each a unique opportunity to hone their skills and someday teach others who’ll be in exactly the same position they are now as bright eyed bushy tailed rookies.

Sitting in the auditorium of Career Regional High School, where ironically my sister attended from 2008-2012, I’m glad I got to reconnect with them and share in their moment even if from a distance. We shared the same struggles, and shed the same blood, sweat, and tears. How could I not be there to support them? I’m a better person for having crossed paths with these individuals and the bonds forged in Recruit Class 65 are bonds that will last a lifetime.

Assistant Chief of Operations Dan Coughlin summarized it best when he stated new graduates “reinvigorate the crews we have”. To my former classmates I say may you keep that same vigor you have today for the remainder of your careers, and may you stay safe. From the East to the West, 65 is truly the best.

Mike Colón is the host of the Mic’d In New Haven Podcast which can be found on all podcast platforms and is simulcast in video form on YouTube