Canton's New Hometown Hero: Austin McGonagle Becomes Firefighter

CANTON, MA — Austin McGonagle will get the chance to help save lives in the town he grew up in after graduating from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy. McGonagle, 22, was among 38 firefighters from 23 departments to graduate from the academy's 275th class. Graduates were recognized at a ceremony at the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services headquarters in Stow Friday.

The Canton Fire Department hired McGonagle in October 2018. He graduated from Canton High School and is a certified paramedic after completing Massasoit Community College's paramedicine program.

"We are proud to have Firefighter McGonagle as part of our department and I look forward to watching him take this next step in his career," Fire Chief Charles Doody said in a statement.