The South Essex Fire Department swore in seven new firefighter/EMTs and recognized four promotions in top leadership on Thursday, October 22, 2026.
Captains David Hoy and Ciro D’Urso were promoted to deputy chiefs, and firefighters Matthew Antolino and Alexander D. Gibson were promoted to captains.
The following were sworn in as firefighters/EMTs: Cory Hardy, Omari Dill-Pettiford, Michael Munoz, Andrew Tran, Joseph Aliano, Tyler Harris, Austin Wimbush.
Maplewood Mayor Victor De Luca, South Orange Mayor Sheena Collum and retiring SEFD Fire Chief Joseph Alvarez thanked all the firefighters, captains and deputy chiefs for their service and spoke of their commitment and bravery.
“As a son of a police officer and brother of a firefighter, I truly understand the essence of public service. I welcome and thank our seven new firefighters. You are embarking on a public service career in which you have nobly committed to protecting lives and properties in our two towns,” De Luca said, then congratulated the new captains and deputy chiefs. for their leadership and commitment. “I applaud your achievements and your willingness to take the next steps in your firefighting careers. I know you will be invaluable mentors to our new firefighters.
From left, front row: Chief Joseph Alvarez, Maplewood Mayor Vic De Luca, Austin Wimbush, Deputy Chief Ciro D’Urso, Deputy Chief David Hoy, South Orange Mayor Sheena Collum, Captain Matthew Antolino, Captain Alexander D. Gibson, Michael Munoz, Andrew Tran. From left, back row: Firefighters Joseph Aliano, Tyler Harris, Omari Dill-Pettiford, Cory Hardy (Photo by Miriam Perez)
They also spoke of the consolidation of the South Orange and Maplewood fire departments that occurred four years ago.
“When South Orange and Maplewood joined forces in 2022, we brought together two proud histories, two sets of traditions and generations of firefighters. It was one of the most significant municipal service consolidations in New Jersey in recent decades, and it wasn’t always easy,” South Orange Mayor Sheena Collum told the firefighters and those in attendance. “But we shared one goal: to build a stronger, better-equipped, more coordinated fire department for both communities. Two towns. One department. One mission.”
Said De Luca: “Years ago, we envisioned a combined fire department that would provide better and more efficient emergency services to our residents, find economies through shared operations, and protect the safety of our personnel. We are on track to achieve those goals and our new officers and firefighters will play a big part in helping us get there.”
Collum also talked not only about the sacrifices made by the firefighters, but their families as well.
“You live with the missed holidays, the interrupted celebrations, the unpredictable schedules, and the worry that comes with knowing someone you love is running toward danger when everyone else is running away,” she said.”Your support makes their service possible, and you deserve our recognition and gratitude just as much as those wearing the uniform tonight.”
Collum also told soon-to-be retiring chief Alvarez what his service has meant to the department and to the communities he’s served.
“Long after you’ve hung up your uniform, your legacy will live on in the firefighters you’ve mentored, the department you’ve helped build and the countless lives you’ve helped save and protect for forty years,” Collum said. “For that, Joe, we owe you an extraordinary debt of gratitude that no words could ever truly convey.”
