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On October 22, 2026, the New Rochelle Fire Department held a promotions and awards ceremony at 17:45 (approximate start time) to honor members for career advancements, life-saving actions, and exceptional service. The event included the posthumous remembrance of three firefighters who passed away in 2025–2026, remarks from Mayor Yudira Ramos Herbert and City Manager Wilfredo Melendez, the swearing-in of new officers, and the presentation of multiple lifesaving awards, unit citations, the Arthur Luce Klein Award, the Captain Andrew DiMaggio Award, and the Fire Commissioner's Award.
Mayor Yudira Ramos Herbert administered the oath of office to the five newly promoted officers, who swore to support the U.S. and New York State constitutions and faithfully discharge their duties.
Deputy Chief Robert Ciadi led a moment of silence for three fallen firefighters: Firefighter Thomas DeWayne (served 1960–1980, died November 1, 2025); Firefighter Donnie McGuire (served 1974–2004, died June 14, 2026); and Captain Curtis Taylor (served 1984–2008, died December 25, 2025).
Presented annually by the New Rochelle Fire Department for exceptional contributions in emergency management, event coordination, and operational planning. Captain Anthony Cruciata was recognized for his work in community outreach (Boys & Girls Club Career Pathways, New Rochelle Street Fair, National Night Out, Touch a Truck, Halloween Haunted House, July 4th fireworks), leading the arson investigation team (10+ credentialed investigators), and serving as captain of emergency management (coordinates Emergency Management Center for major incidents and weather emergencies).
Memorial award honoring quiet professionalism and commitment to training. Lieutenant Mike Amori received the award for his passion for training new firefighters, dedication to mentoring, and service as a U.S. Army veteran and member of the New Rochelle Veterans Affairs and Honor Guard.
Recognizes a member who consistently displays excellent skills, attitude, and appearance. Firefighter Anthony Costa was honored for over 31 years of service, his role as Squad 2 Deputy Chief's Incident Command Technician and former Ladder 12 chauffeur, union advocacy, and participation in community events (Tunnel to Towers, Soapbox Derby, National Night Out, MDA softball tournament).
Chaplain Father Kelliher offered a closing prayer for protection and safe return for all firefighters. Refreshments were served in the rotunda.
Good. All right. Good morning, everyone. I'll ask everyone to stand, please for the pledge of allegiance. Lieutenant Michael Mori, please. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, but liberty and justice for all. Thank you, Mike. Uh, Color Guard, you guys could be seated. Everyone could take a seat. Good. Good morning, and welcome to the NeuroShell Fire Department promotions and awards ceremony. To our families and friends, thank you for being here to share this special day. And to our members being honored today, we're proud to have you here with the people who have supported you along the way. Whether you're stepping into a new rank or receiving an award for your actions, you've earned this moment, and we're proud to celebrate it with you. Thank you. Thank you for joining us and for your support of the Nurshell Fire Department. We spend a lot of time focused on the work ahead, the next call, the next training, and the next challenge. Today gives us an opportunity to pause and acknowledge the dedication leadership and service of our members. For those being promoted, today marks an important step in your careers. Your new rank reflects both what you've accomplished and the trust being placed in you to lead support your fellow fighter firefighters and serve this community. For those receiving awards today, it is about recognizing your actions and the difference you've made. Your service represents the standards we strive to uphold and gives us all a reason to be proud of this department. To our families, thank you for the support you give our members every day. This is a proud day for the Nurshell Fire Department. Thank you all for being a part of it. Peace and blessings, family. It's truly a privilege and a pleasure to gather here in fellowship. And I just want to say to my fellow members of the Neurochell Fire Department that God loves you. And he knows your name. And so congratulations to those who have earned promotions and are being awarded here this morning. Let us pray. Almighty God, we thank you for the privilege of gathering this morning to celebrate this significant moment in the lives of the members of the Newark Fire Department. We give thanks, oh God, for their courage, commitment, sacrifice, and willingness to serve our community. This morning, as we recognize those who have earned promotions and awards, we ask that you remind them that with greater rank comes greater responsibility. And with greater authority comes a greater call to lead with integrity, wisdom, humility, and compassion. Bless their families who stand beside them and share in the sacrifices required by this calling. Protect every member of this department as they answer the call to serve and grant them strength in moments of danger, wisdom, wisdom in moments of decision and courage in moments of uncertainty. May those being promoted and awarded today never forget that true leadership is not simply found in the rank they wear, but in the example that's they set and the people they serve. Bless this ceremony, O God. Bless the Newark Fire Department, and continue to bless and protect the city of Newark.