New York City – Sources tell Fox 5 that Salvatore Cassano, Chief of Department, FDNY will be named Fire Commissioner Monday.
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Cassano was sworn in as the FDNY’s 33rd Chief of Department on June 19, 2006. He is a 39-year veteran of the department.
Cassano was previously Chief of Operations, managing the FDNY’s daily fire and EMS operations. He was cited as being integral in rebuilding the department following the September 11, 2001 attacks.
He is replacing longtime Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta.
Scoppetta informed Mayor Bloomberg of his decision in August. Scoppetta led the Administration for Children’s Services before taking over the FDNY after the 9/11 attacks.
In appointing Cassano to his prior position Scoppetta was quoted as saying, “Chief Cassano is a strong, committed leader with a wealth of knowledge and experience who represents the best in this Department,” said Fire Commissioner Scoppetta. “During the past five years – in addition to running our day-to-day emergency operations – he has worked tirelessly to help rebuild a Department severely impacted by the Sept. 11 attacks. Due to his efforts, our firefighters, EMT’s and paramedics are better trained, equipped and prepared to respond more safely and effectively to every type of emergency in New York City. I am confident the Department will prosper under his leadership.”
The FDNY says that Cassano was appointed a New York City firefighter in November of 1969, and worked for several years at engine companies in lower Manhattan. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 1977 and worked at Ladder 113 in Brooklyn, where he also served after his promotion to Captain in 1984. He continued to rise through the ranks as Battalion Chief (1987), Deputy Chief (1993), Deputy Assistant Chief (1999) and Assistant Chief (2001), working in various assignments throughout the city, including responsibility as the on-duty Citywide Tour Commander.
He has been cited five times for bravery during his career.
I just want to add that Salvatore Cassano is a very close friend to the Orthodox communities, in particular Boro Park Hatzalah,B.P.Hatzalh has had a very close relationship with him prior to 9/11 we wish him good luck on his new post.
What a mensch. Once again our Mayor makes an excellent choice.
This is wonderful news for all of NYC and the FDNY. Chief Cassano has worked his way thru the entire ranks of FDNY and knows everything there is from actually fighting fires to managing as Chief of the department. Finally something that Michael Bloomberg has done 100% correctly. The rank and file of the department will show the new Commissioner the respect has has earned…because he isn’t just another political hack going from agency to agency..but one of their own. I have ties to FDNY and congratulate the Comissioner to be…great man …great choice.. and yes a friend to the Jewish communties! All of NYC will gain from this appoinment!
FDNY is the most advanced fire department in the world because its members are the most talented, motivated, and educated firefighters! New Yorkers should be very thankful for people like him.