Gabe Kenny sworn in as Bayport fire chief as longtime chief retires after 25 years

Gabe Kenny was sworn in as Bayport's new fire chief during the Bayport City Council meeting on April 6, taking an oath to "humbly serve the public" and to uphold department policies and the law.

The ceremony followed a presentation by the Bayport Fire Department Relief Association, which honored the retiring chief with a commemorative plaque. Relief Association representative Ray presented the award and attendees offered thanks and family recognition. Outgoing Chief Alan Eisinger accepted the plaque and thanked department members, staff and his family for years of support.

Why it matters: The council's hiring of a full-time chief marks a shift in Bayport's strategy for fire coverage after years relying heavily on volunteers. In remarks at the podium, the retiring chief said volunteer departments are declining and noted the council's decision to hire a full-time chief as an important step to sustain services.

At the swearing-in, Kenny repeated the oath administered by the mayor, promising "that I will humbly serve the public with an urgent response to their crisis" and to "conduct myself in a manner that reflects positively on the Bayport Fire Department." The oath also referenced the city's partner service communities.

Council and staff praised the transition and thanked the retiring chief for his service. The meeting proceeded to routine business after the ceremony.

What's next: With the chief in place, council members discussed moving ahead on contract and staffing options, including meetings with chiefs from other jurisdictions to understand joint powers scenarios and on-call staffing models. The council later recessed into closed session for a separate personnel matter.