West Orange swears in new fire chief, promotes deputies and 2026 recruit class

Nicholas Carmine Gillow was sworn in as West Orange’s new fire chief in a ceremony attended by the mayor, council members, department members and families. Mayor Susan McCarthy introduced Gillow and read a biographical summary highlighting his 2011 start with the West Orange Fire Department and subsequent promotions to captain (2017) and deputy chief (2023).

The ceremony included oaths of office for multiple promoted officers and a group of probationary firefighters who completed the 13-week basic fire academy and will proceed to EMT training. Chief Gillow, who accepted the oath and later thanked the mayor and council, said the transition shifts his role from emergency management to “shaping our future,” and he stressed priorities of training, resources and returning firefighters safely to their families.

Council and public officials used the occasion to recognize recently retired chiefs and to honor firefighters who saved a life during a medical emergency in June; the mayor noted West Orange crews received gratitude and additional training from Cooper University Health System neurologists. Administration officials said the department is still filling vacancies and emphasized the long training lead time for firefighters and EMT certification.

The council and fire leadership asked the public for continued patience as the department integrates new staff and continues recruiting to meet minimum daily staffing levels. The chief and council said they would continue work on staffing, equipment and training investments in coming budget cycles.