The Eastchester Fire Department has a new career firefighter to call its own. Kevin Lee graduated Thursday from the Westchester County Career Fire Chiefs Firefighters Academy, the sole Eastchester recruit among 35 new firefighters from 12 departments across Westchester, Dutchess and Orange counties.

Eastchester wasn't just represented by its newest graduate. Lt. Dominick DiRienzo of the Eastchester Fire Department served as one of the academy's commanding officers and spoke at the ceremony, co-directing the program alongside Academy Director Captain Joe Sinatra of the New Rochelle Fire Department.

Graduates received their certificates before a packed house, with Deputy County Executive Joan McDonald, Department of Emergency Services Commissioner Susan Spear, and Fairview Fire Chief Howard Reiss all addressing the class. "To Class 01-2026, best of luck to you as you make your way in this demanding, rewarding and noble profession you have chosen," McDonald said. "On behalf of County Executive Jenkins, I wish all of you long, safe and successful careers."

The academy is a 17-week intensive program blending classroom instruction with hands-on skills training, run jointly by the Westchester County Department of Emergency Services, the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control, and Westchester County Career Chiefs. It enrolls new classes twice a year, spring and fall. Scarsdale gained its own graduate in the same class, John Madera, alongside recruits from Arlington, Greenville, Lake Mohegan, Mount Vernon, Newburgh, New Rochelle, Pelham, Poughkeepsie, Rye and White Plains.

Lee's graduation caps a strong year-plus stretch for Eastchester at the academy — five recruits, John Albertelli, Jack Brien, Joseph Ciafone, William D'Ambrosio and Kyle Shryrock, graduated together in the July 2025 class. Lee now begins active service alongside all five, bringing Eastchester's newest generation of firefighters fully into the department.