Yonkers Insider: Press Release from City of Yonkers.

 

YONKERS, NY – December 14, 2023 – Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano today announced William Fitzpatrick as his nominee for the City’s new Fire Commissioner.

 

Fitzpatrick returns to lead the Yonkers Fire Department (YFD) after 32 years of service with the Department. He retired as Deputy Chief, overseeing operations, in December 2011.

 

“William Fitzpatrick has the knowledge, management skills and compassion to lead our Yonkers Fire Department,” said Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano. “He’s a firefighter’s firefighter, who rose through the ranks during his career. This job is part of who he is. His father and three brothers retired from the Yonkers Fire Department and what better way to continue that legacy than returning as Commissioner.” 

 

Fitzpatrick joined the Department in 1979 as a Firefighter assigned to Station 3. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 1988, serving with Tower Ladder 71. In 1991, he was promoted to Captain becoming Commander of Squad 1 (which later became Rescue 1). In 2001, he was elevated to Assistant Chief with a focus on training and operations. He was promoted to Deputy Chief of Operations in 2004 and remained in that position until his retirement in 2012.

 

“I’m looking forward to getting back in! I’m so impressed with how the Yonkers Fire Department has evolved in the 11 years since my retirement,” said Fitzpatrick. “Thank you to Mayor Mike Spano for this opportunity to rejoin the Department. I look forward to partnering with Administration, EMS and Yonkers Police Department to enhance everyone’s safety and protect the citizens of Yonkers.

 

William Fitzpatrick is a Yonkers native and graduate of Sacred Heart High School. His father retired as a Captain of the Yonkers Fire Department in 1978 and his three brothers retired as Assistant Chiefs.

 

During his time with the Yonkers Fire Department he was instrumental in the creation of Squad 11 Engine Company along with redefining hazardous material response and improving training for technical rescues.

 

Fitzpatrick replaces current Fire Commissioner Anthony Pagano who will retire effective December 31, 2023. Pagano first served as Fire Commissioner from 2002 to 2011 and returned in 2021.

 

“Tony has brought his decades of experience to this role, becoming an exceptional Fire Commissioner,” said Mayor Spano. “We thank him for his service and dedication to the City of Yonkers and to our Fire Department. We wish him well in his retirement.”

 

The new commissioner will be responsible for the command, control, administration, disposition and discipline of the Fire Department, while coordinating and planning the activity and efficiency of all firefighting units in the City of Yonkers.

 

William Fitzpatrick will be presented to the Yonkers City Council for final confirmation in the coming weeks. The new Commissioner will begin his role on January 1, 2024.