MIDDLEBORO — Six new members of the Middleboro Fire Department were sworn in during a ceremony on Monday, Jan. 27, Fire Chief Owen Thompson and Town Manager James McGrail reported.

Firefighters Rebecca Cullity, ​Anthony LaCivita, Matthew Mokeler, Patrick O'Donnell, Thomas Simon, and Anthony Visconte were sworn in by the chief at a Middleboro Select Board meeting. Each firefighter was pinned by a family member.

Last September, the Middleboro Fire Department was awarded a $2,019,030 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant, also known as SAFER grant, to be administered over three years to hire six full-time firefighters, increasing firefighter safety and service to the community.

The grant will cover 100% of the personnel expenses associated with hiring six new full-time firefighters, including the Town of Middleboro’s portion of their health insurance and pension liabilities, with no matching cost required from the town.

 With the grant, the department will be able to operate its South Station 24/7 with a three-member engine company, in addition to a three-member engine company at Central Station. Currently, Middleboro Fire has a three-member engine company and a two-member ladder company at Central Station, and the South Station is used when there is additional staffing.

 McGrail and the Select Board have committed to funding the six positions after grant funds are exhausted.

 "Without the town's leadership, this swearing-in ceremony wouldn't have been possible," Thompson said.

 The Fire Department swearing-in ceremony was the first before the Select Board in many years. Thompson said he believes it's an important tradition of the fire service so that new firefighters start the job knowing they're a part of the community, and residents get to know the faces of people who may respond to their homes in times of emergency.

 "Today is a reminder of the strength and unity that exists within our Fire Department family and the unwavering commitment we have to serving and protecting the Town of Middleboro," Thompson said. "It's a calling that demands resilience and a willingness to face unthinkable challenges to protect our community."

 The new firefighters are set to participate in department orientation and attend the Massachusetts Fire Academy.

 "The addition of these six firefighters will make the Town of Middleboro a safer place for the future," McGrail said. "Increasing staffing levels at the Middleboro Fire Department is long overdue, and we are incredibly thankful to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for this funding. We are committed to ensuring that we maintain these positions beyond the life of this grant."