Salvatore Cassano Sworn in as Department’s 32nd Fire Commissioner

Fire Commissioner Salvatore Cassano (standing with his wife, Theresa) takes the Oath of Office, administered by Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Salvatore Cassano was sworn in as the Department’s 32nd Fire Commissioner by Mayor Michael Bloomberg on Jan. 11.

“I think I have picked the right person to move this Department forward,” Mayor Bloomberg said during the ceremony at FDNY Headquarters. “I have complete confidence in Sal, who has unmatched experience and knows this Department inside and out.”

Commissioner Cassano, a 40-year veteran of the FDNY, formerly served as Chief of Department since 2006.

He spoke of the dramatic changes the FDNY has gone through during his tenure - such as the use of bunker gear and air tanks - and the changes that will be in the Department’s future.

“In 40 years I’ve seen improvement to equipment and safety, but some things haven’t changed - like the honor and tradition of the Department and its semblance of family,” he said.

The Cassano family (including the new Fire Commissioner Salvatore Cassano) with Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Surrounded by his extended family, the Commissioner spoke of how he was able to build his way up from humble beginnings, noting that neither of his parents graduated from high school.

Throughout his years with the FDNY, Commissioner Cassano served in every uniformed firefighting rank, including firefighter, lieutenant, captain, battalion chief, deputy chief, deputy assistant chief, assistant chief, chief of operations and chief of department. And he has been cited for bravery five times for rescuing victims from burning buildings.

In the years following the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks, first as Chief of Operations and then Chief of Department, Commissioner Cassano played a crucial role in rebuilding the FDNY after its loss of 343 members.

During his speech, Commissioner Cassano praised and thanked outgoing Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta, who held the position for eight years, saying “he represents the very best of public service.”

He also thanked the men and women of the FDNY - including members of the Fire Service, Emergency Medical Service and civilian staff - for all their hard work.