New Bedford Village Fire Officers Installed

The 88-year-old Bedford Village Fire Department has officially passed the torch to its new chief, Jason Siemers.

Siemers—who has come up through the ranks as a member, to being in charge of apparatus, then serving as lieutenant, captain and assistant chief, among other titles—has been on the "chief track" for some time, he said.

"It's sort of understood once you get on the path, eventually you'll be elected chief. It's a process—and an honor," he said.

The formal installation of officers took place at an April 8 dinner at in Mt. Kisco. Peter Aquilino was named first assistant chief, and Peter Lazaro was named second assistant chief. Jerome Newman will serve as the department's captain and David McCabe replaces Joseph Iantorno as president.

Special recognitions included a presentation of plaques to Joanne Aquilino, ex-fire chief, for her two years of service, and to Allan Wiltse, ex-chief, for his 50 years of service to the department.

One change Siemers immediately implemented as chief was to schedule weekly officer hours as a way to improve communications. "I've promised to be available to members and to command staff, to discuss general issues or whatever comes up," he said.

Siemers also pledged to increase training opportunties for the members and plans to hold monthly sessions for firefighters to learn new skills.

But mostly, he said he'll go on doing what he loves, which is serving the community and being a helpful resource when needed.

"When you join the fire department, it changes your life for the better," he said. "You're always on hand for people. When the horn blows, whatever you're doing—whether it's eating dinner or sleeping—it becomes secondary to being there to help."

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