Marlborough – On Sept. 28, six new firefighters began employment with the city of Marlborough due to recent retirements.
“In addition to practical experience, these new recruits went through a battery of testing enabling us to hire the very best candidates to fill vacancies,” explained Chief Kevin J. Breen. “We had a vast talent pool to choose from, and I look forward to working with these new employees as they acclimate to their assigned units.”
Firefighters’ main objective is to protect lives and property and these skilled professionals will become part of the MFD brotherhood.
Ralph J. Cacciapaglia is a Marlborough resident and a combat veteran of the U.S. Army. He served as an Army Ranger team leader and is a Purple Heart recipient. Additionally, Cacciapaglia has earned a Master of Business Administration from Boston College, Carroll Graduate School of Management.
Dylan J. Conway is a member of the Army National Guard and is trained as a combat medic. He also serves as a per diem firefighter/EMT for the Chichester, N.H., Fire Department. Conway is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in fire science management at the American Military University. He is a third-generation firefighter and was named fire explorer of the year in 2015 at the Hudson, NH, Fire Department.
Charles J. Borowy is a seasoned firefighter with more than 13 years of experience, including serving as a lieutenant paramedic for Holden Fire Department for the past three years. Borowy is a certified fire officer, fire instructor and fire prevention officer and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in fire science from Anna Maria College.
Matthew M. James is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps having served his country for five years. He comes to Marlborough with extensive firefighting experience as he has been a certified firefighter/EMT for Maynard Fire Department for the past five years. Additionally, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in fire science from Anna Maria College.
Alex G. Martinec is already an experienced, full-time, career firefighter having worked as a firefighter/EMT for the Maynard Fire Department for the past four years. Furthermore, he was the recipient of the Richard N. Bangs Award in his firefighter recruit training program at the Massachusetts Fire Academy. This award is presented to the student with the highest academic record. Martinec is also pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree from Columbia Southern University.
Matthew E. Vickery is a veteran firefighter with 10 years of experience including serving as a full time firefighter/EMT with Concord Fire Department for the past six years. He is also a licensed master electrician and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in emergency management from Waldorf University.
“It’s a challenging time for public safety employees and it’s important that we choose the most qualified applicants,” said Mayor Arthur Vigeant. “Chief Breen and his staff have selected some well-rounded individuals with a multitude of backgrounds and experience.”
