In a gathering that filled the City Hall council chambers on Feb. 18 with family and friends, 18 new firefighters were sworn in, and 12 current firefighters were promoted to captain. With the halls also full of well-wishers, city officials sang the praises of a department that has existed for 144 years, and paid homage to the 49 firefighters who have perished in the line of duty over that long history.
Providing musical accompaniment, the Jersey City Firefighters’ Emerald Society accompanied the Emergency Services Honor Guard through the ritual presentation of colors, the salute to the flag, and a moment of silence for the fallen.
Family members and friends cheered the 18 men and one woman as they came into the chamber with an enthusiasm usually reserved for sports heroes. But the new firefighters in their dark blue uniforms do not hit home runs or score touchdowns – they save lives.
In his invocation, Fire Chaplain Rev. James Pagnotta called it a special day. “These public servants look forward to their vocation in life in which they take upon themselves the responsibility to protect human lives,” he said. “These soon-to-be probationary firefighters have spent their days in training and today they swear to protect all members of this community at risk of their own lives in new and different ways.”
“It is a tradition in moments like these to offer silent prayer for the 49 members of the department who gave their lives,” he said.
He said those promoted to captain also take on new responsibilities, and he prayed that God might give them special guidance so that they will be protected from all harm as they respond to their calls of service. He asked that they learn to work well with their brothers and sisters in the department, and for God to give them strength to resist straying from their duties that would do harm to other firefighters and people they are sworn to serve.
Those promoted to captain were John Strich, Angelo Maino, Jason Kane, Scott Terpak, Alexander Degnan, Scott McDermott, Martin Corcoran, Robert Morelli, Jason Reo, Gary Byrne, Nicholas Degnan and Bryan Schoch. Appointed to the position of probationary fire fighters were Joseph Scalone, Dubanes Bello, Tyler Lang, Anthony Montagne, Rafael Orellana, Tyson Hardnett, Robert Delacruz, Santos Estremera, Theron Jenkins, Gary Cassaro, Michelle DeBlois, Victor Negron III, Nicholas Del Fino, Javier Rivera, Patrick Donaghue, Christopher Russell, Scott Taylor, and Armando Roman, Jr.
In chant-like unison, the 18 recruits recited the ten deadly errors firefighters must avoid that they learned by heart at the academy and would need to remember when in dangerous situations. This includes basic skills of the trade, such as being aware of building conditions and where their companions are.
Duty, honor, dedication
Mayor Steven Fulop welcomed the 30 members being sworn in or promoted by making note of the department’s motto, “Duty, Honor, Dedication,” that is their vow of service to the city.
He also paid tribute to the families of the firefighters who give up their loved ones.
Public Safety Director James Shea said the promotions were first a testimony to the quality of firefighters the 12 members had been, and secondly, a hope for the future that they will be able to provide leadership and guidance, help people in need, and allow residents of the city to sleep soundly.
“If all the people they helped over the years were here, there would not be a room big enough in the world to hold them all,” he said. “The promotions are a tribute to what they’ve done as firefighters, but a test of faith that they will have great days ahead.”
To the new recruits, he said Jersey City has a noble tradition to which they have joined.
“You earned your way into the department and we expect great things from you in the future,” he said. “You will extend this tradition over your tenure on the department.”
Al Sullivan may be reached at asullivan@hudsonreporter.com.