The Hoboken Fire Department promoted Battalion Chief Matthew Markey and honored eight retiring members on Monday, Feb. 27, during a ceremony at City Hall. Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla, Public Safety Director Ken Ferrante, and Fire Chief Anton Peskens joined the honorees and their families to commend them on a combined 200-plus years of service.
“The Hoboken Fire Department works tirelessly to protect our community, often putting their own lives at risk to keep others safe,” said Mayor Bhalla. “I know I speak on behalf of residents when I say thank you to the retirees for their years of bravery and service, and to Battalion Chief Markey for his continued dedication to the City of Hoboken.”
“Firefighters in Hoboken are among the bravest in the state, and country,” said Director Ferrante. “I wish them all the best in their retirements and the next chapters of their lives. I am thrilled to see Battalion Chief Markey move up in the ranks of our team and look forward to welcoming new young men and women to fill the shoes of those moving on.”
“I am proud to have served alongside the men being honored today,” said Chief Peskens. “I thank them, and their families for the sacrifices they made over the last few decades. I am confident this won’t be the last we hear of these retirees as they, no doubt, will continue to serve the people of Hoboken in other ways.”
Battalion Chief Matthew Markey was sworn in as a firefighter on June 8, 2006, and was promoted to Captain on March 20, 2015. He and his wife, Jill, are raising four children.
Members of the Fire Department retiring this week include:
Captain Angel Amaro was sworn in as a firefighter on Feb. 28, 1996, and then promoted to Fire Captain on April 5, 2005. During his years of service, Amaro served as a Rescue Captain and on the Executive Board for Local 1076. He responded to many events including civilian rescues during Superstorm Sandy and assisting during the City’s COVID-19 response. Captain Amaro is a proud veteran of the US Navy. He and his wife Pricilla have three children.
Captain Nicholas Goldsack was sworn in as a firefighter on Feb. 28, 1996, and was promoted to Fire Captain on July 11, 2007. During his years of service, Captain Goldsack responded to several emergency events including Superstorm Sandy and COVID-19. He has also spent countless hours as a volunteer with the Hoboken Homeless Shelter and Toys-4-Tots. He and his wife Lisa have three daughters: Paige, Jenna, and Leigha.
Captain Baron Ballester was sworn in as a firefighter on May 22, 1997, and was promoted to Fire Captain on May 12, 2011. Captain Ballester responded to many incidents during his career, most memorable for him was the 9/11 response. He also responded to calls during Superstorm Sandy and the COVID-19 pandemic. He and his wife Jess have three children: Toby, Bella, and Hailey.
Battalion Chief Joseph Turner was sworn in as a Firefighter on Feb. 28, 1996, was promoted to Fire Captain on July 11, 2007, and then promoted again to Battalion Chief on March 25, 2013. BC Turner filled multiple assignments, and responded to countless incidents during 9/11, Superstorm Sandy, and the COVID-19 pandemic. He and his wife Jennine have two children: Ava and Jack.
Firefighter Ian Metcalfe was sworn in as a firefighter on May 22, 1997. During his service, Firefighter Metcalfe served in the Rescue Company, often using his various technical rescue skills while responding to various fire incidents. He also responded to 9/11, Superstorm Sandy, and COVID-19. Metcalfe follows in the footsteps of his Father, retired Battalion Chief Kenneth Metcalfe who served the department for over 25 years. He and his wife have one child.
The City of Hoboken also recognized retirees who were unable to make the in-person ceremony, including:
Captain Vincent DePinto was hired on May 22, 1997, and promoted to captain on July 11, 2007. Captain DePinto and his wife have two children.
Captain Leonardo Delviscio was hired on Feb. 28, 1996, and promoted to Captain on July 11, 2007. Captain DelViscio and his wife have two children.
Captain Ronald Miltner was hired on May 22, 1997, and promoted to Captain on May 12, 2011. Captain Miltner and his wife have two children.
