9 New Hoboken Firefighters Sworn In After Completing Academy

HOBOKEN, NJ — Hoboken has nine new firefighters, all sworn in on Monday.

Eight of them graduated from the Bergen County Fire Academy last week, and one, Zachary Bascio, comes to the Hoboken Fire Department from the Meadowlands Fire Department.

Mayor Ravi Bhalla, Public Safety Director Ken Ferrante, and Fire Chief Anton Peskens swore in firefighters Vincent Libretti, Thomas Pettit, Rafael Flores, James Davis, Nicole Barron, Chris Picinic, Kaylee Olivieri, Joseph Rossano, and Bascio.

“This group of new firefighters brings our department to 120 members,” said Public Safety Director Ferrante. “It is more evidence of the administration's efforts to continue to improve public safety and provide the best protections to our friends, families, and neighbors.”

“We welcome, and thank, the courageous men and women joining our Fire Department," said Mayor Bhalla. “You are the future of the Hoboken Fire Department, and it is a bright one. I look forward to watching you all grow and thrive as you join the ranks in protecting our great city."

“I am proud to recognize the hard work and determination these young men and women have put in at the Academy,” said Chief Peskens. “We look forward to seeing that continued effort and dedication as we formally welcome them to the team, and as they, along with our existing members, continue to make Hoboken proud and keep our community safe.”