Paul Liberatore, who joined the Hartsdale Volunteer Fire Department the day before the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Center, was promoted to Deputy Chief of the career fire department at the monthly meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioner’s meeting held at Station 2 on November 11, 2025. He was sworn in by Chairman John Vallarelli.

Deputy Chief Liberatore is an 18-year veteran of HFD, having joined the career department in 2007. He was promoted to Captain in 2018.

Ten-year veteran of HFD, Firefighter Christopher Duffelmeyer, was promoted to the rank of Captain and was also sworn in by Chairman Vallarelli.

Firefighters Robert Morris and John Barrett were also recognized at the meeting. They recently completed their one-year probation and received their HFD badges acknowledging their permanent appointment to the department. Firefighter Morris had his badge pinned on by his brother and Hartsdale Firefighter Brian Morris. Firefighter Barrett had his badge pinned on by Hartsdale Fire Chief Ray Maseda. Firefighter Michael Pellegrino also recently completed his one-year probationary period but was unable to attend the meeting.

Finally, the Hartsdale Fire Department welcomed its newest member, Probationary Firefighter Peter Rudovic, who was sworn in by Chairman Vallarelli. Photos by Alan Zale