GRANITE CITY – Granite City Firefighters Local 253 has introduced two new firefighters, Travis Bernardino and Mason Roehr, who were sworn in in the City Council chambers by City Clerk Jenna DeYong.
The ceremony in Granite City included family, friends and city officials, including Fire Chiefs Todd Richey and Scott Nonn, Mayor Mike Parkinson, and Fire Commissioners Steve Nonn and Larry Gavilsky, along with other city employees, according to information provided by the department.
Bernardino, who is from the Chicago area, came to the region for school. The department said he was recruited by his paramedic teacher, who urged him to apply. During the ceremony, the mayor joked that the department would not hold it against Bernardino for being a Cubs fan, but that no Cubs paraphernalia would be allowed in the firehouse. Bernardino’s girlfriend, Mackenzie, pinned on his badge.
Roehr is a Granite City native and a graduate of Granite City High School. He began his firefighting career with the Madison Fire Department alongside his father and sister, who are still active members. His father, Justin, pinned on his badge during the ceremony.
The department said both firefighters had family and friends in attendance and said they are excited to work in the community. Granite City Firefighters Local 253 said both men will be an addition to the department.
