The Hoboken City Council unanimously approved (8-0) reinstating a deputy fire chief position in place of two captains by amending the fire department’s table or organization at last night’s meeting.
By Daniel Ulloa/Hudson County View
The measure, which was passed on second reading, also reduces fire captains from 36 to 34, while increasing firefighters from 86 to 90. The number of battalion chiefs will remain the same at eight, for 135 total firefighters
1st Ward Councilman Paul Presinzano asked about the number of new captains at last night’s meeting.
“ … The Fire Marshall position had never been ordained by the City of Hoboken. We discussed this in committee. At the time, the fire marshal was Steven DiVincent,” Public Safety Director Ken Ferrante began.
“After he retired, we had a selection process and Andrew Frey became the fire marshal, who is not a captain … We made a temporary increase in the table. We had to ask for an increase of one.”
He also stated that the changes would save the city about $140,000 a year in salaries (public safety spokeswoman Marci Rubin said today that it would be closer to $120,000).
Presinzano still had a few more questions.
“Interim Fire Captain Peskens, is he considered a battalion chief on the table of organization?” he asked.
“He’s considered the chief in that position,” Ferrante replied.
“So, he’s considered the chief? Not a battalion chief?” Presinzano asked.
“That’s correct,” Ferrante said, before the downtown councilman asked about how deputy chiefs would be appointed including what testing was necessary.
Ferrante responded that a captain could be named an interim deputy chief before they take a civil service test to get promoted.
“Have we complied with the court order yet for reinstating Chief Crimmins in the chief’s role?” Presinzano asked.
The council approved a non-binding resolution asking the administration to comply with the court back in September, as HCV first reported.
“… That matter is at the Appellate Division of New Jersey … There’s two different tracks that will lead us to 2026. One of them is at the appellate division. One is Chief Peskens. He ages out, so he has to leave the job in early 2026,” Ferrante note
“Either way, we are going to have a different chief. This structure will help either of those two tracks.”
Presinzano also asked Assistant Corporation Counsel Shanna Cushnie if the city had been forced to pay a $10,000 fine following a February New Jersey Civil Service Commission ruling calling for his reinstatement.
Bongiovanni said she’d have to look into it, while 5th Ward Councilman Phil Cohen interjected that the city’s appeal was filed in April.
The ordinance was approved unanimously (8-0).
“This reorganization will help our Fire Department operate even more efficiently, while also strengthening and supporting department leadership. I am grateful to the City Council for their partnership, and to our firefighters for their continued dedication to keeping Hoboken safe,” Mayor Ravi Bhalla said in a statement this morning.
“I look forward to welcoming four new firefighters to our ranks to carry forward the proud traditions and high standards our department is known for,” added Peskens.
Rubin also said that the new table of organization allows for a 135-member fire department, up 20 from 115 just four years ago.
It looks like it’s time to pay back the loyal Bhalla supporters before he leaves office. Peskins gets the retroactive pay for letting Bhalla reward Stick Romano’s family and the other political supporters. Now, who will get the plumb Deputy appointment since there will not be a Deputy Chief test for another year. Will Audra or Casessa get the promotion to fatten their pension before retiring or will it be one of the Markeys, (the ultimate kick in the face)? Ferrante is good with smoke and mirrors he has completely BS’d the Council.
According to Civil Service, Brian Crimmins is listed as the Fire Chief and Peskins title is a Battalion Chief not Chief. File an OPRA request if you don’t believe me. So now Peskins gets the Chief pay, Crimmins gets the Chief pay and a new Deputy gets more money. The HFD is a mess and there is no savings only more money flying out the door. Morale is at an all time low because merit does not factor here. Good members have been transferred, disciplined and harassed because they are on the wrong side. Shame on Bhalla, Ferrante, Peskins and the other Battalion Chiefs for making the department a place where only politically loyalty matters.