The Jersey City Fire Department recently promoted six captains to the rank of battalion chief, which was made possible due to collaborative efforts between state agencies and the city.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
Robert McCann, Dave Meyers, Chris Fodera, Will Clarritt, Julio Ortiz, and Al Rodriguez are now all recognized as battalion chiefs of the Jersey City FD.
They have a combined 139 years of experience, ranging from 13 to 31 years respectively, and brings the number of minority battalion chiefs from five to eight, according to city spokesman Nathaniel Styer.
“I’m proud to celebrate six deserving Jersey City firefighters who earned the promotions they’ve worked so hard for. With the Civil Service list nearing expiration, a coordinated effort across the Civil Service Commission, the Department of Community Affairs, and the City of Jersey City helped ensure every possible avenue was explored before time ran out,” noted state Senator Angela McKnight (D-31).
“These firefighters earned this opportunity through years of dedication and service to their community. I’m grateful to have played a part in helping move the process forward, and I congratulate these six firefighters and their families on this well-deserved milestone.”
They will be filling operational vacancies from the loss of six chief officers from last year.
Specifically, they will help cover supervisory vacancies at the battalion chief and safety battalion chief ranks, and assist in specialized areas like the training division, arson, and high-rise operations, Styer added.
Additionally they will be assisting the understaffed Fire Prevention Bureau by bolstering the Non-Life Hazard Inspection program, “which will make for a safer city by boosting the number of inspections and also lead increase revenue.”
Styer added that the promotions are revenue neutral for 2026.
