Acting Jersey City Fire Chief Stephan Drennan was sworn in as the new permanent chief, along with 14 new recruits being sworn in, at City Hall this morning.
By Daniel Ulloa/Hudson County View
Drennan, an over four-decade veteran of the department, has been serving as the provisional or acting chief since April of last year.
Mayor Steven Fulop noted they have recruited new firefighters and brought new equipment to strengthen the department, which the city council has approved.
“Over the next several decades, there will be countless times when you prefer them to be home. They will be here serving 300,000 people that call Jersey City home. That’s the sacrifice families make,” he said.
Fulop acknowledged they will often miss birthdays and holiday celebrations.
“They are joining the best fire department anywhere in the country: I don’t say that lightly … It’s really something to marvel at and something we’re grateful for. We wish you all a long and distinguished career,” the mayor added.
He also pointed out that Drennan is the 17th member of his family to serve in the fire department, good for over 500 collective years of service.
Deputy Chief Loren Hart explained that Drennan has served the department for 42 years since 1982.
Hart added that Drennan was a first responder on 9/11 and worked there for 10 days, clearing the debris. He joked about a Drennan Dynasty, alluding to Fulop’s earlier comments about their long history of service.
“No other family has had more of an impact on the Jersey City Fire Department than the Drennan family,” Hart declared, noting that Drennan is actually the first in his family to serve as chief before Fulop swore him in.
He then collectively swore in the class of 14 recruits. Each one then came and shook Fulop’s hand and saluted Drennan and got their certificate and badge.
Drennan then addressed the crowd. He first thanked the Mayor and everyone. He explained Fulop first reached out when the former Chief Steven McGill retired in early 2023.
“Rather quickly, I said yes. I hadn’t thought about that. I thank you for the honor and blessing,” Drennan said.
“It did start with my father and his four brothers. They all served.. in World War II and the Korean War. That was courage, honor, and service that we were taught”
He said the ISO ranked the department as one of the best, which is rare. Drennan also commended the work of his deputies and firefighters in keeping the city safe.
“We are the most diverse city … and the most densely populated. With those great things comes challenges. We need constant support from the council and mayor. It’s been over 30 years since we had a training facility,” Drennan added.
He said due to support from Fulop and the council, in 12 months, they will have a special training tower.
Many have deep family roots that run through the Jersey City community and fire department. Current Fire Captain Robert McCann was on hand to help swear in his son Robert McCann, Jr.
In addition, the newly sworn firefighter Matthew Roman is the son of Former Jersey City Fire Director Armando Roman.
“Under Chief Drennan’s leadership, our fire department will continue to be the best in the state. The 14 new fire department members will be ready to handle a very difficult job because of their extensive training and hard work,” Public Safety Director James Shea noted.
