Crime & Safety

Belleville Fire Chief Bids Department Farewell After 38 Years

Robert Caruso rose to the position of chief with "diligent work and demonstrated ability," Belleville officials said.

BELLEVILLE, NJ — Robert Caruso had a long and storied career with the Belleville Fire Department. And the township will miss the retired fire chief’s dedication to his post, officials said.

Caruso officially retired on Jan. 31. After he said farewell – serving 38 years with the BFD – the town’s mayor and council honored him with a proclamation in tribute. (Read it below)

WHEREAS, Robert Caruso, Chief of the Belleville Fire Department will officially retire on February 1, 2019, after thirty-eight (38) years of service to the residents of the Township of Belleville; and

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WHEREAS, Bob began his firefighting career with the Township in June of 1981 and as a result of diligent work and demonstrated ability, he advanced through the ranks to his final and most important position of Belleville's "Fire Chief" in 1994; and

WHEREAS, throughout his thirty-eight years of service, Bob has managed the Belleville firefighters under his command through serious situations including weather related state of emergencies, such as Hurricane Floyd in September of 1999, Hurricane Irene in August of 2011 and Super Storm Sandy on October 29, 2012.

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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Mayor and Municipal Council of the Township of Belleville take this opportunity to express our sincere and grateful appreciation and hereby extend to Robert Caruso, our congratulations on his well-earned retirement, and our best wishes to him for continued success, happiness, and good health.

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Photo: Belleville Township

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