EASTHAMPTON — After two decades at the Fire Department, Sean O’Leary, 48, has risen to the rank of captain.
On Thursday, O’Leary was sworn in to the position in front of family, friends and the Easthampton police and fire departments.
“Captain O’Leary has dedicated countless hours and time preparing for the promotion,” Fire Chief David Mottor said. “The reward is well worth it.”
O’Leary raised his right hand to take the oath and his twin sons, Sean and Ryan, 11, pinned the captain’s badge to their father’s uniform.
O’Leary has been serving as captain since Nov. 1, talking the place of Capt. Dennis Peck, who is in the process of retiring.
“Everyone’s life is in your hands … everyone needs to come home safe,” O’Leary said of his career at the department.
As captain, O’Leary is now responsible for supervising a shift of five to six firefighters as well as serving as acting fire chief on nights and weekends when Mottor is not available.
Firefighter David Nalewanski, 32, has worked at the department for almost four years, but for the last two shifts, he has been under O’Leary’s leadership.
“He’s been great so far,” Nalewanski said. “He’s always been one of our top firefighters.”
Mottor has worked with O’Leary since the late 1990s and said he has always shown leadership qualities.
“For the young firefighters, he’s a real role model,” Mottor said.
Also Thursday, Tyler Struthers, 24, of Easthampton, was sworn in as the department’s newest firefighter. For the past year, Struthers said, he has been working part time at the department as a reserve firefighter while taking paramedic courses.
“I’ve lived here my whole life,” Struthers said about Easthampton. “To be able to help the community I grew up in is important to me.”
Mottor had some words for the new recruit.
“There will be sleepless nights, interrupted meals, missed family functions, but you are never alone,” he said. “You are supported by some of the greatest men and women I have ever had the opportunity to work with.”
Mottor told Struthers to remember two things: “Never forget where you came from, and everyone goes home.”
Caitlin Ashworth can be reached at cashworth@gazettenet.com.