Fire Chief Officially Sworn In

OSWEGO, NY – Jeff McCrobie was officially sworn in Wednesday afternoon as the Port City’s Fire Chief.

Mayor Randy Bateman announced McCrobie’s appointment on June 24.

Donald T. Dowd II replaced McCrobie as First Assistant Fire Chief. He was also sworn in on Wednesday in the ceremony held at City Hall.

Also sworn in were two new firefighters and two police officers who were promoted to the rank of sergeant.

Taking part in these ceremonies is an honor, said police captain Tory DeCaire.

“We’re getting a glimpse of the city of Oswego,” he said.

“It hasn’t been that long since Chief McCrobie took over and he’s pretty much had a trial by fire,” the mayor said.

After the mayor finished administering McCrobie’s oath, the large crowd of family, friends, firefighters and police officers gave the new chief a lengthy ovation.

“I won’t let you down,” McCrobie told his supporters.

He said he “very much wished his parents could be here today, and maybe somehow they are.”

McCrobie replaced Chief Joseph Perry who retired June 26.

He thanked the former chief for his guidance and said he looked forward to working with assistant chief Dowd and moving the department forward.

“Congratulations to firefighters (Donald ‘Andy’) Rockwood and (Eric) Hitchcock. I welcome you and your families to our family. We’re excited to have you and look forward to working with you,” McCrobie said.

The new chief told the members of the department that they know what he expects of them, adding, “And you know my expectations are high. You’re an outstanding group and I’m proud to be your leader.”

The chief also thanks the OFD retirees for the solid groundwork they established in the department.

“We look forward to serving the people of the city of Oswego in their time of need,” he said. “We pride ourselves on customer service and we will continue to go the extra mile to ensure their safety and well being.”

Oswego Police Chief Mike Dehm presented Aldo Bonachi Jr. and Craig Bateman with their sergeant badges.

Bonachi joined the department in January 2002. Bateman joined the force in May 2005.

Chief Dehm praised both officers for their hard work and dedication. They lead by example, he added.

He also recognized Chief McCrobie for the way he took command and handled the situation Sunday afternoon following the collapse of St. Louis Church.

McCrobie is a 25-year veteran of the department.

He began his career as a firefighter July 22, 1985. Prior to that, 1980 to 1985, he had been a member of the Oswego Police Department. missing or outdated ad config

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