Fourteen New Members Sworn into Hoboken Fire Department

A new class of Hoboken firefighters was sworn in on Thursday afternoon in Hoboken City Hall.

The 14 men all just completed fire academy and will start work next week.

Stephen Marks, standing in for Mayor Dawn Zimmer, as well as Public Safety Director Jon Tooke, Hudson County Freeholder Anthony Romano, Councilwoman Theresa Castellano and City Clerk Jimmy Farina officially welcomed the firemen to the force.

Chief Richard Blohm wished all the new recruits — which includes his son Ryan – a safe and successful career.

"I'm very proud," said Batallion Chief Mario Fini, who will be taking four new firefighters under his wing.

The new members of the department are now entering into a one year probationary period.

"It's a very exciting time," Fini said, remembering his own first weeks on the job in 1997. "Every time the bell rings ... you never know what's going to happen."

Patrick Cappiello, 21, said he is ready to start his job. Just coming out of almost 6 weeks of training, he said he's ready to do his part.

The son of a retired fire captain, Cappiello said that he knew about four years ago that he wanted to become a firefighter. Until now, he worked as a chef at Bin14 on Washington Street.

For all the excitement, there also hung a sense of nervous anticipation in the air for the 14 men embarking on their new career.

"It's a new job," said Marc Calbismonte, 31, "who wouldn't be nervous?"

Congratulations to: Tyrell Drotch, Jimmy Principe, Tom Worley, Anthony Richards, Joseph Radigan, Ryan Blohm, Dominick Casolaro, Matthew Velez, Marc Calbismonte, Patrick Cappiello, Jose Martinez, Matthew Florio, Kristopher Koukounas and Christopher Lugo.