The New Year brings a new Chief to the Hartsdale Fire Department.

At a Transfer of Command Ceremony on the apparatus bay floor at Station 1, HFD Deputy Chief Raymond Maseda was promoted to Chief and sworn in by Board of Fire Commissioners Chairman, Tony Frasca on Monday evening, December 30, 2019

Chief Maseda, a 21-year veteran of the department, became only the fifth chief in the 100 plus year history of the Hartsdale Fire Department. He replaces Ed Rush who retired after twenty-five years of serving the Hartsdale Fire Department, the last ten years as chief. Maseda was promoted to captain in 2004 and Deputy Chief in 2011.

The ceremony began with the Westchester Fire Department Emerald Society Pipe Band escorting in the HFD Officers and Commissioners in an opening procession.

Retiring HFD Chief Ed Rush welcomed everybody and then led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by Department Chaplin, Rabbi Harry Pell, who led an opening prayer.

Commissioner Frasca then swore in Firefighter Douglas Palmesi, who was being promoted to captain, and then Captain Chip Nanko who was being promoted to Deputy Chief.

Outgoing Chief Rush then delivered his farewell address, reflecting on his 25 years of service in the department. He thanked the Hartsdale Fire Commissioners along with all the firefighters and officers he worked with over the years. He finished with wishing Chief Designee Maseda the best of luck.

Maseda was then sworn in as the new chief by Commissioner Frasca, followed by the Maseda children pinning on his new chief’s badge. Rush then presented Chief Maseda with his new chief’s helmet, followed by an exchange of salutes. Maseda then addressed the audience.

Commissioner Frasca presented retiring Chief Rush with a plaque thanking him for his years of service to the department.

The evening concluded with Rabbi Pell delivering a closing blessing, followed by the Westchester Fire Department Emerald Society Pipe Band leading the new chief and fire commissioners out. Photos by Alan Zale