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Fort Lee swears in 2026 volunteer fire officers; outgoing chief reports 1,963 calls in 2025

Mayor and Council of the Borough of Fort Lee · January 15, 2026
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Summary

Council President Drumgoole administered Oaths of Office to new lieutenants, captains, a battalion chief, deputy chief and Chief Christopher Richter; outgoing Chief Samual Ghali reported the department responded to 1,963 calls in 2025.

Council President Bryan Drumgoole administered oaths to the Fort Lee Volunteer Fire Department's newly elected lieutenants, captains, battalion chief, deputy chief and chief during the borough's Jan. 15 meeting. Christopher Richter was sworn in for his second term as chief; Michael Contento and Josh Abascal were sworn in as battalion chief and deputy chief, respectively.

Outgoing 2025 Chief Samual Ghali delivered the department's year-end report and said the department responded to 1,963 calls for service in 2025. "I was honored to have served as 2025 Chief of the Department," Ghali said, thanking the mayor, council and fellow members. Chief Richter thanked families and mutual-aid partners and invited attendees to Company No. 4 for refreshments after the ceremony.

The minutes list newly sworn officers by company, including 2nd Lt. Ashley DeGidio and 1st Lt. Scott Abascal (Company #1) and captains such as James Rumi and Joseph Rodriguez. Council members praised the volunteers' commitment; Council President Drumgoole read remarks from Mayor Mark Sokolich noting the department's statewide reputation. The council recessed briefly during the ceremony and reconvened to continue regular business.

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