MassBay Student Becomes Wellesley Firefighter

WELLESLEY, MA — A MassBay paramedicine student is the newest recruit to the Wellesley Fire Department.

James Cassidy of Holliston joined MassBay's Paramedicine program in January 2020. He is one of seven new firefighters recently hired by the Wellesley Fire Department.

Cassidy started his higher education at MassBay to follow in his brother's footsteps and discover his passion. Cassidy told MassBay that his interest in becoming a first-responder was “sparked” after several friends joined local firehouses. “I knew that training as an EMT and paramedic would provide me with a great foundational skill set.

James has worked for a year and a half as an EMT for Cataldo Ambulance Service out of Malden and continues to fulfill his required paramedicine clinical hours by working at North Shore Medical Center in Salem. In May 2021, James will attend the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy and join the Wellesley Fire Department. After receiving a certificate in business management from MassBay in 2018, James is on track to earn his paramedicine certificate in May 2021.

“I am grateful and excited to join the Wellesley Fire Department as a full-time firefighter,” Cassidy said. “I enjoy the hard work, the critical thinking, and helping people. I also like knowing that every day will be different with unique challenges for each call. I really can’t imagine doing anything else.”