The ceremony, mastered by Commissioner Carey Welt, began with Eric Becker, the outgoing fire chief. Becker thanked his fellow chiefs, members, and his family in an emotional speech to a packed house, which gave Becker a standing ovation.
Soon after, Commissioner James Surless conducted the swearing in of Keith Hoffman as the new chief of department.
Hoffman, a 35-year member of Hook & Ladder Company # 1, has a lengthy resume of accomplishments throughout his volunteer career at both the Company and Department levels since he joined in 1973. He comes from a proud fire service family when at one point, Hoffman's two brothers, Christopher and Neil, and his late father, Ex-Captain Edwin Hoffman, were all members of Hook & Ladder Company # 1.
After Chief Hoffman was sworn in, Commissioner Scott Farber commenced the swearing-in of Thomas E. Tergesen, the department's new 1st assistant chief. Commissioner William Neill then swore in the new 2nd assistant chief, Carl Pugliese.
Commissioner Michael Finkelman then empowered Firefighter Thomas Corrado to administer the Oath of Office to his son, Nicholas Corrado, the department's new 3rd assistant chief. Thomas spoke with deep emotion as he described his feelings of how proud he was of the man standing before him.
Hoffman then took the podium and initiated the first action of his new position by swearing in all captains, lieutenants and administrative officers for all seven companies.
Safety Officers, the 99 Advanced Life Support Squad, and Explorer Post 610 were also sworn in.
