The Management Committee of the North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue (NHRFR) welcomed their newest committee person, Janet Passante representing West New York, to the ranks on June 25.
A life-long resident of West New York, Passante was the first citizen and woman to work as an assistant to the fire chief at the West New York Fire Department prior to regionalization in 1999. She is now also the first woman to serve on the Management Committee of the NHRFR.
“It’s a great honor to join the NHRFR’s Management Committee,” said Passante. “Regionalization created a much more efficient and effective department, greatly increasing the level of public safety in our communities. I am proud to be a part of this department.”
Passante also serves as chief of staff for West New York Mayor Silverio “Sal” Vega, and has been working for the township since the 1970s. It was Vega who appointed her to the committee position.
“Ms. Passante is a fine addition to the NHRFR Management Committee,” said Vega. “I expect her to hit the ground running. Her experience more than qualifies her for the duties she will be expected to perform.”
Roots in the firehouse
Passante first came to work for the town Department of Public Safety in the early 1970s.
Previously Passante had also worked on Wall Street, and even worked as a beautician on a cruise liner.
“I needed something more steady and more grounded,” said Passante.
By 1975 the then-Mayor Anthony DeFino appointed her to assistant at the town fire department.
“He thought that was a good position for me,” said Passante. “I like a challenge and I enjoyed learning something new.”
Passante was put to work under the supervision of Fire Chief Charles F. Smith.
“I did a mentorship under Frances J. Sarullo [the former assistant],” said Passante. “He showed me the ropes, everything on the [fire] apparatus, and every piece of equipment. I also visited each fire house and got a better understanding about the position.”
Among the duties Passante handled as an assistant at the West New York Fire Department included: organizing the budget, handling time off and back pay, compensation time, and vacations.
She also dealt with departmental claims, was involved with contract negotiations, worked with the Fire Officers Union Local 1861, and worked in conjunction with New Jersey’s Department of Personnel on the tasks of certification, promotion, as well as hiring and disciplinary actions.
“I dabbled in a little bit of everything,” said Passante. “So as far as having an understanding of the department, I have to say I do.”
In addition, Passante was also required to do recalls in case the department was ever short staffed during a blaze, when additional help is needed to be deployed by volunteers and off-duty fire officers.
“I worked a 24/7 week,” said Passante. “You put in as much time as needed.”
Passante worked for the town’s fire department for over 20 years first under Chief Smith, and then under Acting Chief John J. Moore and finally Chief Robert Aiello, and had a good working relationship with all the officers and administrators in the department.
“They were all long term [chiefs] and well grounded,” said Passante.
Becoming one
After the regionalization of the local departments into the NHRFR in 1999, which includes Guttenberg, North Bergen, Union City, Weehawken, and West New York, Passante returned to work in the town hall Office of Public Safety working for then-Director Vega.
“They left the building and merged into one local department, which at the time was on Tonnelle Avenue in North Bergen,” said Passante.
At that the time, Passante became more involved with the workings of the police department, and worked on other issues of public safety.
“It’s an active department, it constantly changes,” said Passante. “It’s not a regular routine and there is always something happening. I enjoy coming to work.”
In addition, Passante became Vega’s chief of staff when he was appointed mayor of West New York last November.
Vega and the current board of commissioners also won an uncontested election in May.
New girl on the block
The NHRFR Management Committee includes a total of five members, one representative for each municipality. Representatives include: Weehawken Mayor Richard Turner and Guttenberg Mayor David DellaDonna. Mayors of the corresponding municipalities can serve as the representatives or appoint someone else in their stead.
Passante will be replacing former West New York Fire Chief Robert Aiello, who is stepping down from the committee.
“The mayor felt that with my background I could [efficiently] represent West New York on the board,” said Passante. “This represents a new challenge, and we will be working as a team for the betterment of our communities.”
Each representative brings the focus of their individual towns, but the board works together as a unit on what’s best for the communities overall.
“It’s a matter of what is in the best interest of the region,” said Passante. “We each represent our communities, but it’s one unit. I think I can do good for the department and for the community.”
For participating on the committee and attending meetings, the members each receive an annual $5,000 stipend.
Passante already participated in her first monthly meeting last June, which was hosted in the town of West New York. The meetings are moved throughout the North Hudson municipalities every month.
“The meeting went well,” said Passante. “They are in the midst of purchasing a fire boat.”
Passante is a graduate of New Jersey City University, and also served as the president of the Board of Education for seven years from 1995 to 2001.
She is ready to get to work, as she comes back to her roots in the fire department.
“It all comes full circle,” said Passante. “I have learned to expect nothing and to expect the unexpected. Whatever is required, I will go that extra yard.” Jessica Rosero can be reached at jrosero@hudsonreporter.com