Browning declined hours before Tuesday's Council meeting, at which he was to be appointed.
Instead, four public servants were promoted: New Deputy Chief Joseph Berchtold, new Battalion Chief Sean Mackey, new Capt. Edward Gallone and new Lt. Sergio Caamano.
Zaretsky, who has a master's degree in Business Administration and Management from Montclair State University, is a 23-year veteran of the department who was appointed to the deputy chief's post last July.
He replaces Anthony Verley, who'd been chief the past seven years.
Township Manager William Broughton and Deputy Township Manager Dean B. Kazinci "have the utmost faith and confidence in acting chief Zaretsky's ability to lead and carry out the mission of the fire department," Kazinci said.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Paterson and receive free news updates.