New Assistant Fire Chief Elected, Chief Re-Elected In Wyckoff

WYCKOFF, NJ — With over 30 years experience and "proudly joined" by his two sons, Joe Alvarez, Sr., was elected Monday as the new assistant chief of the Wyckoff Fire Department for a two-year term, Chief Joseph Vander Plaat said.

Assistant Chief David Murphy completed his two-year term and has returned to fighting fires. He has over 30 years in the department, is a second-generation firefighter also joined by his son, and previously served four years as chief, Vander Plaat said.

Also during the election, Vander Plaat was re-elected for a one-year term after completing his first two-year term. He has over 25 years experience and is a third-generation firefighter, he said.

Each officer is voted in by department members, Vander Plaat added.

Newly elected Assistant Chief Alvarez was also the department chief in Waldwick and is the chief in Maplewood, Vander Plaat said. Both the chief and assistant chief in Wyckoff report directly to the township committee.

Elections also included the positions of secretary and treasurer, who manage the business end of the department. Michael Schell was elected as secretary and Paul Kasabian as treasurer, Vander Plaat said.

"Congrats to all and good luck in 2023," the department said in a Facebook post.