6 Firefighters Sworn In To Westfield Fire Department

WESTFIELD, NJ — After being delayed several times due to the pandemic, six firefighters were officially sworn in to the Westfield Fire Department at the Town Council meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 25.

Fire Chief Michael Duelks and Mayor Shelley Brindle swore in the following six members at last week's meeting:

• Battalion Chief Mike Sawicki - Tour 3
• Battalion Chief Brian Piccola - Fire PreventionCaptain Tom Bottini - Tour 3
• Captain Thomas Bottini - Tour 3
• Firefighter Gerry Peyton - Tour 1
• Firefighter Patrick Carey - Tour 2
• Firefighter Scott Boyer - Tour 3

"This is a positive step forward for our department," Duelks said . "Two of the six [firefighters] are recently promoted ... Due to the pandemic, this ceremony was delayed time after time. But this evening, these six firemen will finally get the credit they deserve."

Chief Sawicki was the first to be sworn in. Duelks said Sawicki began his career with the Westfield Fire Department back in 2000 as a volunteer. Then in 2002, he was appointed to career status as a firefighter and EMT.

During his tenure in the Fire Department, Duelks said Sawicki has earned many certifications and licenses, as well as held the position of president at FMBA Local 30 from 2006 to 2015.

In 2015, Sawicki was appointed to the rank of lieutenant and became Battalion Chief in 2020.

Next to be sworn in was Battalion Chief Brian Piccola.

"Brian was literally born into the fire service," Duelks said. "Between his father, and his two older brothers, Brian grew up in a fire station."

Piccola was appointed as a probationary firefighter in 2015 and later promoted to captain in 2020, Duelks said.

"Brian instantly jumped into action with his career and within the Westfield Police Department, always leading by example, challenging himself and furthering his education to be the best firefighter he could,” Duelks said.

Duelks described Captain Thomas Bottini as a "proud Westfielder" who grew up in town playing sports and attended the Westfield school system.

"He truly takes pride in wearing a Westfield Fire Department uniform," Duelks said.

Bottini was appointed the department as a probationary firefighter in Oct. of 2015. Bottini is now the leader FMBA Local 30's food drive, organizing meals for the needy every year.

This past September, Bottini was promoted to the rank of captain on Tour 3. He is now also the head of the department’s rapid storm response team, Duelks said.

Lastly, Gerry Payton, Patrick Carey and Scott Boyer were sworn in as new firefighters.

Payton was hired as a probationary firefighter in 2019 and then earned the firefighter title in 2020. Prior to joining the Westfield Fire Department, Payton worked as an Emergency Medical Technician and hazardous materials responder at the Union County Division of Emergency Services.

Carey was also hired as a probationary firefighter in 2019 and earned the title of firefighter in 2020. Carey previously worked as an aide in the autism program at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, “helping students in developing social and professional skills,” Duelks said.

Boyer was appointed to the department as a probationary firefighter in Jan. of 2021 and earned the title of firefighter in Jan. of 2022. Boyer previously worked for the Union County Department of Public Works, where he performed preventative maintenance on engines and other vehicles, Duelks said.

You can watch the full swearing in ceremony on Westfield's Facebook page.

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