The Westport Fire Department welcomed its newest firefighter, Chris Caswell, in pinning and appointment ceremonies Friday at the Hixbridge Road station.

Though new as a full-timer, firefighter Caswell is no stranger to the department, having served 12 years as a call firefighter in town.

“I enjoyed it and finally stepped up to get my paramedic” training, he said.

He’ll work alongside a supervisor for a few weeks before becoming a regular firefighter. Also in his future is a stint at the fire training academy.

A 27-year Westport resident, who had been working as a mechanic Mr. Caswell said that, despite no family history in firefighting, he felt drawn to the work.

“I enjoy giving back to the community and being able to provide help at those times when people face an emergency,” he said.

While it is always best when there is a happy outcome, whether in medical emergency or fire, “it can also be satisfying to be there for the resident afterward to provide whatever assistance we can,” to help them recover.

With him at his swearing in ceremony were wife Krystle and their young daughter Scarlett.

Firefighter Caswell replaces a firefighter who retired.