Third-Generation Firefighter Becomes New Chief In Jersey City

JERSEY CITY, NJ — Meet the new boss. On Wednesay, Stephan Drennan became the new chief of the Jersey City Fire Department.

"The Drennan legacy spans three generations, including 17 members of the family collectively serving the JCFD for over 500 years, including Stephan’s father, son, uncles, and cousins," said the city on Wednesday.

With over 40 years of service to Jersey City, Drennan became acting chief in 2023.

Wednesday, he stood alongside Mayor Steven Fulop to administer the oath of office to 14 newly graduated firefighters, marking their official induction into the department.

“Think about how many lives have been saved by the Drennans and how many houses have been spared and rebuilt because of the family’s commitment to public service,” Mayor Fulop said prior to giving the oath of office. “Today’s newly sworn firefighters are joining the best fire department in the state, and I have no doubt that under Chief Drennan’s leadership, we will continue to set the standard for excellence in emergency services."

“Thank you for the honor and blessing for me and my family. What our firefighters do is incredible, and it happens every day,” Chief Drennan said before addressing the recruits. “We do more than put out fires. It is about working in the community and helping our people, and the new graduates will quickly learn that about our department.”

Other Family Roots

The city said, "Today’s ceremony highlights the deep family roots that run through the Jersey City community and fire department in many ways as current Fire Captain Robert McCann was on hand to help swear in his son Robert McCann Jr.

"The family legacy also lives on for the Roman family as newly sworn firefighter Matthew Roman is the son of Former Jersey City Fire Director Armando Roman."

Public Safety Director James Shea said, “The 14 new fire department members will be ready to handle a very difficult job because of their extensive training and hard work."

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