SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - 16 recruits graduated from the state fire academy Monday morning in Springfield. This comes after 10 weeks of training in the academy. Many of the recruits say it's been a dream of theirs to pursue firefighting and serve western Massachusetts. "I have little sisters and it was really important to me growing up to be a good role model for them and just a good role model for just all the other young women," says Allison Cote, a firefighter with Amherst Fire Department. Across the region, there is currently a paramedic and firefighter shortage. Those interested can learn more information here about how to become a recruit at the State Fire Academy. Local News Headlines I-391 southbound ramp in Chicopee closed Tuesday afternoon Springfield police seek help locating missing 78-year-old woman with dementia Hot weather makes it feel like return of summer for the next few days House passes closeout budget bill WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.