City Manager Charles B. Strome III announced today the promotion of Deputy Chief Louis M. DiMeglio to Chief of the New Rochelle Fire Department. Deputy Chief DiMeglio will assume the position on July 31. As Fire Chief, DiMeglio will succeed Raymond “Doc” Kiernan, who retires on July 30 after 45 years of distinguished service.
Deputy Chief DiMeglio is a 38-year veteran of the New Rochelle Fire Department, having risen through the ranks from his appointment as a probationary firefighter in 1973 to Fire Lieutenant in 1982 and Fire Captain in 1989. In 1996 he became Code Enforcement Officer, overseeing inspection and approvals of fire protection systems in new construction on project such as Costco, Home Depot, New Roc City, Avalon I and II and Trump Towers. In May 2007, DiMeglio was promoted to Deputy Chief and assigned to Support Services, in charge of purchases and maintenance of apparatus as well as supervising the department’s Training and Safety divisions. DiMeglio was transferred to Active Fire Duty in 2009 as Shift Commander for 37-member shift and served as Incident Commander at emergencies.
Deputy Chief DiMeglio has a degree in Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy and has obtained numerous Fire Academy certifications. He is a board member of the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce, currently serving as Secretary.
“I look forward to working closely with Chief DiMeglio, and believe he will maintain and enhance the reputation of the New Rochelle Fire Department as being the finest in the State of New York,” said City Manager Charles B. Strome, III.
“I am very pleased that Deputy Chief DiMeglio has been chosen to lead the Fire Department,” said Fire Commissioner Kiernan. “He is a longtime and valued member, and has served in various facets of the Department. He is highly regarded in professional circles and in the community. I am comforted to know that the Department I love will be left in such good hands.”
Public Safety Commissioner/
There has been talk of creating a new position of Public Safety Commissioner as opposed to having separate police and fire commissioners much like White Plains. While this is a worthy consideration, which could trim the city budget some I hope the city manager does not consider appointing Police Commissioner Pat Carroll to Public Safety commissioner. Police morale is at an all time low and with the Robondo case pending there is no question the PD brass has their hands full. Carroll should be enticed into retirement.
Strome made the correct and best choice in promoting DeMelio to chief but leaving the commissioner position opens lends itself to rumors. Good luck Chief DeMeglio.
Tim, that would make too much sense!
Tim, don’t you know already that would make too much sense.
This is New Rochelle so we wouldn’t get rid of either the police or fire commisioners, we’d just add another layer at the top & call it Public Safety Commisioner, I’m sure someone needs a pay back position. Just more top heavy government.
Tim Sit Down and Take a Deep Breath; I Agree With You
Carroll is an unimaginative and uninspiring choice and knows little about the role of a police force in an urban setting and not much more about patrol patterns.
He also is a bully. Some old time bar customers at Mama Francesca’s would talk about his bullying tactices — “cut this one off” or worse. Of course, that is hearsay, but the incidents appear to be credibly reported given the weekly meetings. Now, he will change over to mojitos I suppose given the new direction and cuisine of the bar.
He appears to have been the major roadblock in establishing a mini precinct downtown to provide visual protection to the community. Jim Killoran has been vocal on this point as have others.
Cannot recall this sort of view ever appearing public, but the big news is …. Tim, you’re right! warren gross
Fact is, half the job is glad
Fact is, half the job is glad Kiernan’s gone, the other half are adrift without their strings attached.
Having said that, Lou was the best choice, hope he treats the men evenly, unlike the last guy.
DeMeglio is the best choice
There is no better choice then Chief DeMeglio. Promoting from within, especially with a valued employee with 38-years experience will ensure every New Rochelle resident receives the fire and rescue service they have come to expect. Recent events have tainted the current and past administrations but Chuckie three sticks got this one right. Good luck Chief DeMeglio!
you the man LOU
Thank god city hall hired someone with-in the dept. Congrats LOU your the man good luck to you and family.
Good guys win!
There has been enough troubling news over the past few weeks, we ought to celebrate the selection of Lou DiMeglio as Fire Chief. Lou is a good guy, respected by the men and has always been available to answer questions and explain a response to a fire or other emergency to the press and public.
DiMeglio is a great choice. Hat’s off to Chuck Strome and his team in making an excellent choice. Doc Kiernan will be missed but Lou is just the man to carry on maintaining what is inarguably among the finest Fire Departments in Westchester County.
Congratulations Lou!