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YONKERS, N.Y. - The city's new fire commissioner, former New York City Fire Department chief of operations Robert Sweeney, was sworn in Friday by Yonkers' Mayor Mike Spano. "I am so much looking forward to working with the men and women in the Yonkers' fire department," Sweeney said at the City Hall ceremony. "This city has the right type of people out there who are very dedicated, and I'm looking to hit the ground running out there."
The new fire commissioner officially began his first day on the job Friday, the mayor said, adding he's honored Sweeney is joining the city.
"Great players will not go to a poor team; the great players will go to a great team or to a team with great potential," Spano said. "He saw something in our fire department, which makes us very proud."
Sweeney, a 33-year veteran of the New York City Fire Department, replaces George Kielb, who resigned in June. Police commissioner Charles Gardner had been serving as interim fire commissioner during the summer.
Sweeney is Yonkers' second fire commissioner in less than a year - Kielb left after just six months following disagreements with the mayor regarding budget cuts within the department. Ater Kielb's departure, Spano said the city looked nationwide to find the right candidate. Spano didn't have to look far to find the right pick for the job.
"When we came across Sweeney in New York City, he, in my opinion, was the greatest opportunity for us and someone we were proud to get a hold of," Spano said. "Bob holds impressive credentials and I look forward to working with him."
Sweeney is well-known for his work in leading a team of city firefighters to help with recovery efforts in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, and he also is credited with helping rebuild the department after Sept. 11, 2001.
Sweeney was joined by his wife, two daughters, mother and father - a former New York Police Department captain - at the ceremony.
City Council President Chuck Lesnick said he's excited to see Sweeney's hard work carry over to the city of Yonkers.
"He has an incredible perspective, having served a high position in New York City, and he's a professional firefighter through and through," Lesnick said.
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