Fire department welcomes two new recruits into its ranks

Date: 9/25/2014

WEST SPRINGFIELD – The Fire Department welcomed two new firefighters.

Robert Link, 28, and Justin Rainville, 25, joined the ranks of the Fire Department with an official swearing in ceremony on Sept. 23. Link is a third-generation member of the department while Rainville is the first in his family.
   
“The department is back up to a full complement [of staff],” Chief William Flaherty said.
   
Rainville said, “It’s a dream come true. I’ve been wanting this since I was 9-years-old. I’m very proud to be on the West Springfield Fire Department.”
    When asked why firefighting, Rainville smiled and said, “I didn’t want to be a police officer.”
   
Rainville has served as a call firefighter for Agawam the past for years and has experience working as an EMT for the ambulance. He has a fire science degree as well. He is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.
   
“[Becoming a firefighter] is something I thought about a long time. It definitely pretty important to continue that legacy,” Link said.
   
His father Lt. Steven Link attended the ceremony and participated in the pinning ceremony with his son. “I’m highly honored. My father has passed away, but would be proud,” Steven said.
   
To honor his grandfather, Link was wearing his badge.
   
When asked how it felt to be the wife and mother of firefighters, Link’s mom Mary said, “You worry, but you’re very proud.”
   
Flaherty, whose father served on the Fire Department, said, “It’s big. It’s nice to see.” He added that there’s a familiarity with and a knowledge of those that grow up around the department and then become part of staff.
   
Link is a member of the Air Force Reserve and worked for the fire department at Westover Air Reserve Base in Chicopee.