Another school year has come and gone, and for the Croton-on-Hudson Fire Department, that means graduation time for six of our High School students.

The recent graduates from the Croton-Harmon High School this year were Tommy Kaplan, Richard Leach and Daniel Vlad Jr. Graduating from the Hendrick Hudson High School in Montrose are Taylor Brown, Naomi Moledo and Alyssa Rinaldi.

In addition to their scholastic achievements, all six of these young men and women recently completed the New York State Firefighter I and Firefighter Survival programs. This training, which is over 100 hours in length, was done at night and on weekends on top of their regular attendance at school, and for some - in addition to working a part-time job. Quite impressive!

As for their post-High School plans...

Taylor Brown (a PAF with Washington Engine Co. #2) plans on going to Westchester Community College in the Fall.

Tommy Kaplan (a PAF with Tower Ladder 44) will be heading to Westchester Community College, pursuing an Associates Degree in Communications. He will be working for the Village of Croton this Summer, helping take care of our parks.

Richard Leach (a Firefighter with Tower Ladder 44) will be attending the SUNY Maritime Academy, pursuing a degree in Naval Architecture and completing a number of Coast Guard training programs. He can be found working at the Croton Sailing School.

Naomi Moledo (a Firefighter with Washington Engine Co. #2) plans on working full-time and attending school part-time, pursuing a career in the healthcare industry.

Alyssa Rinaldi (also a Firefighter with Washington Engine Co. #2) will continue working in childcare and attending classes part-time, possibly in the healthcare industry as well. She'll be joining her father (Dave) and brother (Chris) at WECO.

Daniel Vlad Jr. will join his father (Daniel) at Harmon Engine Co. #3, and will be attending SUNY Albany this fall.

Congratulations to all of our graduates, and good luck on whatever road life may lead you on!