(Photo Credit: Joe Panella/City of Yonkers)
On June 14, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano announced that Anthony Pagano is returning to the Yonkers Fire Department this week as its Acting Commissioner. Pagano first served as the Yonkers Fire Commissioner from 2002 to 2011. Pagano’s nomination will be presented in the coming weeks to the Yonkers City Council for final confirmation.
“Tony brings his impressive list of credentials to the table and years of experience to back it up – including his quick decision-making skills and on-the-job knowledge of the inner workings of the Department,” said Mayor Spano. “I have no doubt Tony will be an exceptional fire commissioner, and I welcome him back to the City of Yonkers.”
Anthony Pagano was appointed to the Yonkers Fire Department on November 18, 1982. Starting in 1989, he served as President of the Yonkers Firefighters Local 628 for 14 years. As President, he was responsible for the overall operation of union activities, which included labor relations, communication, financial and legislative operations, political action, community services, and fund raising. In 2002, Pagano was named Fire Commissioner, a position he held for nine years, and during which time, he was responsible for approximately 430 firefighters and fire officers. After serving a total of 29 years in the Yonkers Fire Department, Pagano retired in December 2011.
Acting Fire Commissioner Anthony Pagano added, “I look forward to working with the Spano Administration and I thank the Mayor for the opportunity to serve the 200,000 residents of Yonkers once more, including the firefighters and fire officers. I guess some people do get to dream twice, as my dream came true both times.”
As commissioner, Pagano is 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.
Pagano replaces interim commissioner John Folkerts, who will return to serve as Chief of Operations in the Yonkers Fire Department.
