The Cinnaminson Fire Department swore in three new members at June 20 board meeting.
The Cinnaminson Fire Department received a huge boost on Tuesday evening, swearing in three new members to the force. Jason Scott, Michael Castrataro and Nicholas Stavely all took their oaths at the department’s board meeting on June 20.
The trio of EMTs/firefighters went through the department’s training process, and will start immediately in their new roles. Led by Fire Chief William Kramer, the fire department has been understaffed in some ways, sometimes seeing only three firefighters per platoon.
“We are hoping that with the arrival of these three young men, we can increase the amount of firefighters per platoon to at least four,” said Kramer.
Most importantly is all three have experience and enthusiasm as they begin a new chapter in their careers. Scott began his firefighter career as a Medford volunteer in 2005 before moving to Bordentown in 2015. After an intergovernmental transfer, Scott is excited to join a well-known department such as Cinnaminson.
“It feels good. I’m happy to be in Cinnaminson and to work with a great group of guys,” Scott said.
When asked about his decision to be a firefighter, Scott traced back to his roots.
“I knew from a young age that this is what I wanted to do. My father has been a firefighter in Medford for over 40 years, and after volunteering at a young age, I knew this is what I wanted to do.”
Stavely is no stranger to Cinnaminson, and his family are no strangers to the Cinnaminson Fire Department. Stavely, big on roots and family, now continues to work in his hometown going forward.
“It’s an awesome feeling, I’ve been here for two years as a volunteer, and a lot of my family has been here for over 30 years so it’s home,” Stavely said.
Also for the Cinnaminson native, it is about continuing the tradition his parents started.
“I grew up in this world. My father is a retired battalion chief, and my mom is a retired EMS lieutenant, so it’s only right I continue on this trend,” Stavely said.
Castrataro may just be getting used to Burlington County, but he is not new to being involved with fire services. Castrataro joined Cinnaminson from the Ancora Fire Department. After two years in Ancora, Castrataro is ready for new challenges in Cinnaminson.
“A couple friends recommended this to me, and I fell in love with the job. I absolutely could see myself doing this years from now,” Castrataro said.
After 150-plus hours of informal and practical training, the firefighters have already been assigned to their platoons. They have passed a state exam, and will be expected to further their training along with their daily work.
“The training never stops here. A lot of our firefighters are also EMTs and are constantly learning newer procedures and techniques. I fully expect them to hit the ground running, and be a big asset to the department,” Kramer said.
