The Jersey City Fire Department swore in 13 new captains Tuesday morning, moves that city officials say will bolster the leadership of the department.
The new captains were promoted during a ceremony at City Hall. The promotions bring the total of captains in the department to 141, the largest amount in a decade.
They are: Edward M. Pickett, Bryan P. Giannecchini, Keith R. Kaufman, Kevin J. Barnas, Jeremiah S. Healy, Joseph K. Menendez, Nelson Estremera, William M. Clarritt, Joseph L. Boguszewski, Luis E. Colon III, Terence R. Cooks, Christopher Daliani and Ian R. Rooney. Officials noted at the ceremony ust six years ago, the fire department had 416 firefighters and could not staff four companies every night. The department now has nearly 600 firefighters and every company is fully staffed every night.