After graduation, Will Vagianelis ’24 found his calling just a few streets from campus. He joined the Hamilton Fire Department during the pandemic, when he was a first-year student, but found more than just an extracurricular activity — he discovered a future career. Now he’s a newly elected fire captain, medical technician basic at Madison County Emergency Medical Services, and graduate of University of New Haven’s public administration master’s program.
Why did you join the Hamilton Fire Department?
“I have a long family history of firefighting. My mom’s side of the family has been involved in the Albany Fire Department for 150-plus years. That family connection was a big part of why I became involved. When I joined here, I didn’t know what to expect, but I fell in love with it.”
What was the best part of being a student firefighter?
“We do roughly one call a day here, and to be able to show up at a professor’s house or help somebody who works in town during their time of need is very special — you don’t really see that side of the community as a student otherwise. I felt very fulfilled giving back.”
How did your academic experience at Colgate influence your path?
“Being a political science major set me up well for the public administration program, and it opened my eyes to the business and political side of fire service. Firefighting is not just responding to emergencies. If you’re the chief, you’re also working with local politicians to set budgets for operational activities and long-term capital investments, such as apparatus replacements or infrastructure upgrades.”
Would you consider yourself someone who thrives on action?
“I’m definitely an adrenaline junkie. When the pager goes off, you drop everything and get down to the station, whether it’s 2:00 in the morning or noon. It can be a lot at times, but I’ve gotten better at leaning on the community here in the fire department. Everyone looks out for each other, and that’s what makes it such a special place.”
What’s next for you?
“I intend to stay in the Hamilton area and will begin working with the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control as a fire protection specialist in the investigations branch in the upcoming months.”