Newark Welcomes 41 New Firefighters
NEWARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- The city of Newark celebrated a few firsts within the ranks of its newest firefighters.
The 41 recruits, who completed 10 weeks of training at the fire academy, were sworn in by Newark Mayor Ras Baraka during a ceremony Friday.
Congratulations to the City of Newark Fire Dept, 44th Recruit Class graduates. pic.twitter.com/AFhjbi4Snb
— City of Newark (@CityofNewarkNJ) January 16, 2015
For the first time, the graduating class includes a married couple and two women.
"It was a challenge for us, but we're here," said Veronica Gray, who graduated with her husband, Cesar.
"I knew she could do it because she's strong," he said. "It was a great experience."
They have two daughters -- a 5-year-old and a 9-month-old.
Fire Director James Stewart said the Grays will be working opposite shifts.
"So when one is working, the other one is at home," Stewart said.
The class also includes 17 African-Americans and nine Latinos.
"We are just proud of all their work," Stewart said.
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