Hail To The Chief

On April 4, members of the Farmingdale Board of Fire Commissioners appointed three new Chiefs of the Farmingdale Fire Department. After 14 years of service with the department, the newly minted Chief Patrick Tortoso is ambitious about his new title.

“I wouldn’t be here without my members’ backing,” Tortoso said.

At the ceremony, Frank Romano, ex-Chief of the Farmingdale Fire Department, gave his final rundown of the 997 calls the department handled in 2013, before handing over the proverbial reigns to Tortoso.

“You guys always did a standup job,” Romano said congratulating his commrades. “This has been a rewarding experience.”

Romano explained that Fire Chiefs are elected to two-year terms of office, after which they typically appoint the First Assistant Chief to the rank of Chief of the Department.

“I loved it, but it was not without its challenges,” Romano added. “When people work together like this… it makes it much easier.”

After some heartfelt congratulations, Romano was presented with a proclaimation for his years of service with the department by Farmingdale Mayor Ralph Ekstrand, who also swore-in Chief Tortoso and presented him with his new badge and title. According to

Ekstrand, the mayor welcomes working with the new Fire Chief.

As a result of the department’s recent elections, the Board of Fire Commissioners appointed the following officers for 2014-2015:

Chief of Department – Patrick Tortoso

1st Assistant Chief – Keith Ryan

2nd Assistant Chief – Ryan C. Tortoso

Water Witch Engine and Hose Company No. 1

Captain – Matthew Pullaro

1st Lieutenant – Keith Ryan Jr.

2nd Lieutenant – Matthew Hammond

Chief Chauffeur – Matthew Oppedisano