New FF/Paramedics bring passion to job TRAINED

And Ready

• Anthony Agne always knew he wanted a career in fire service, despite pursuing a degree in education. He graduated from Purdue University and began his fire training, becoming a certified firefighter/paramedic in October 2021. “It’s a feeling like no other when you can be there for someone when they need help.”

• Cameron Abraham earned his Associates Degree at the College of DuPage and attended the paramedic program and firefighter certification through the Romeoville Fire Academy. “I enjoy making a positive difference within the community I serve and I will serve North Riverside to the best of my ability.”

• Christian Bradley, born and raised in Dubuque, Iowa, earned his Bachelors Degrees in Biology and Chemistry from Clarke University in 2017. “I chose to change professions after joining my local volunteer fire department and finding gratification in all aspects of EMS and fire service. I am beyond excited to join the NRFD.”

• Reese Holwell attended EMR and EMT classes at Joliet Junior College and was a Class of 2020 graduate from Morris Hospital’s paramedic academy. In 2022, he graduated from the Chief Shabbona Fire Academy. “Since I was a young child, watching firefighters rush to the neighbor’s burning house, I have believed this profession to be one of the most selfless careers around.”

• Matt Rouleau, born and raised in North Riverside, brings 15 years of fire service experience to the job and a family history of men who have proudly served the North Riverside Fire Department. A paramedic for 12 years, he is a Triton College graduate and holds multiple fire-fighting certificates. “Words cannot describe how excited I am to be “home,” serving the people and making this my lifelong career.”

Strength in Numbers

MAYOR: THIS IS WHAT PROGRESS LOOKS LIKE

Ratifying a new 5-year contract with Firefighters Union Local 2714 in late 2022 was just the beginning of what Mayor Joseph Mengoni knew needed to be accomplished within the NRFD. Recently, five exceptional candidates were sworn in as FF/Paramedics, moving the department closer to fully staffing its in-house paramedic program. “These new hires epitomize the future of our great fire department and bolster our “in-house” paramedics plan—they are educated, ambitious, compassionate, eager to learn and ready to serve,” said Mayor Mengoni. For Fire Chief Bob McDermott, the swearing-in was a pivotal moment for NRFD. “These men, who are trained firefighters and certified paramedics, are the future of our department,” said the Chief. “They will stay, develop their skill sets, train future hires and continue to build on their experiences as years go on. The Mayor and Board have given this department a clear direction, stability and the firm footing that was much needed.”

As the last piece of this transition plan, the Village is seeking federal funding worth approximately $2 million through FEMA’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant to hire 6 additional firefighters, paying their salaries and benefits over three years and setting our maximum staffing levels at 21 sworn FFs/PMs.

Pictured above, left to right, FF Al Allen, FF Anthony Agne, Mayor Mengoni, Lt. Jason Williams, FF Christian Bradley, Chief Bob McDermott and FF Jim Moore. Below, left to right, Clerk Kathy Ranieri and Mayor Joseph Mengoni with FF Matt Rouleau, FF Reese Holwell, FF Cameron Abraham and Chief McDermott.