BUFFALO N.Y. — The Buffalo Fire Department welcomed 62 of its newest fire recruits Saturday.
A swearing in ceremony was held at ECC City campus in Downtown Buffalo.
Fire commissioner Garnell Whitfield says the department has had a number of vacancies over the years, and he's happy to fill those holes. Among the recruits was Commissioner Whitfield's son, Garnell W. Whitfield.
The fire department says another 63 recruits will be joining the department next week. Whitfield says this is one of the largest recruiting pushes the city has ever taken.
"It's been a very long and arduous journey and we're very happy to be getting some new blood in the Buffalo Fire Department," said Commissioner Whitfield.
The recruits are expected to complete the fire academy in August.