Undecided on what he wanted to study in college, James Cassidy of Holliston, came to MassBay to discover his interests and find a career path. 

“My brother studied automotive technology at MassBay and had a good experience, so I thought it would be a great starting point for me. I began by studying mechanical engineering, but changed course to business management instead. I enjoyed my classes, but once I earned my certificate, I realized I didn’t want a desk job. I wanted to work as a firefighter.”

 Cassidy’s interest in becoming a first-responder was “sparked” after several friends joined local firehouses. 

“I knew that training as an EMT and paramedic would provide me with a great foundational skillset. I joined the MassBay paramedicine program in January 2020, right before the pandemic started and haven’t looked back.” Cassidy is one of seven new firefighters recently hired by the Wellesley Fire Department.

 Cassidy has worked for a year and a half as an EMT for Cataldo Ambulance Service out of Malden, and continues to fulfill his required paramedicine clinical hours by working at North Shore Medical Center in Salem. 

“It’s been a wild few months, but my classes, clinical placement, and EMT position, especially during COVID, has prepared me for anything I might encounter. I know my training will absolutely come in handy when I become a firefighter. I have been able to observe and learn from emergency calls ranging from cardiac arrests to babies being delivered. Working in communities like Somerville, Malden, Chelsea, Revere, and Everett has given me a lot of experience as a first-responder, and I will take all of that with me to the firefighter academy,” he said.

 In May 2021, Cassidy will attend the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy and join the Wellesley Fire Department. After receiving a certificate in business management from MassBay in 2018, Cassidy is on track to earn his paramedicine certificate in May 2021.

 “I am grateful and excited to join the Wellesley Fire Department as a full-time firefighter,” said Cassidy. “I enjoy the hard work, the critical thinking, and helping people. I also like knowing that every day will be different with unique challenges for each call. I really can’t imagine doing anything else.”