City of Rochester
News Release
(Friday, Nov. 9, 2012) — Mayor Thomas S. Richards announced his appointment of Salvatore Mitrano III to the position Fire Chief of the Rochester Fire Department today. Chief Mitrano has been serving as the City’s Fire Chief on an interim basis since March, when then-Chief John Caufield left the City to take another position outside the city.
“Sam has the leadership and knowledge to be Chief and has come up through the ranks,” said Mayor Richards. “He has a great vision for the Fire Department and possesses the skills necessary to be successful. I wish him the very best in his new endeavor and I have every confidence that he will continue the Department’s long tradition of providing world-class public safety and customer service.”
Upon City Council’s approval, Chief Mitrano will take over a department with 476 uniformed and 23 civilian personnel and a $42 million annual operating budget. He served as a City Firefighter from 1987 to 1998; Lieutenant from 1998 to 2000; Captain from 2000 to 2002; Battalion Chief from 2002 to 2005; Deputy Chief from 2005 to 2007; and Executive Deputy Chief from 2007 to 2012 until being appointed Interim Chief.
Chief Mitrano was integral to the Department’s operational platform reorganization that resulted in substantial cost savings for the City. He was responsible for reducing overtime expenses by his department by 50 percent and developed the City’s contract with the West Brighton Fire Department.
“It is an honor to be selected as Chief of a Department that is—without question—the most prepared and professional emergency services provider in the nation,” said Chief Mitrano. “I am eager to continue serving the City of Rochester, and the Rochester Fire Department as Fire Chief.”
Chief Mitrano said the Department will be open to change, maintain its strength in its reactive abilities, and be more proactive in community education, incident prevention, risk reduction, recruitment and professional development. He is an advocate of an inclusive organizational culture and will encourage individuals to take part in the development of the Department’s goals and objectives. His salary will be $126,584 per year.
“After discussing and interviewing several candidates, we felt Sam was the right person for the job,” continued Mayor Richards. “At this juncture, Sam will provide the Rochester Fire Department with a steady hand and extensive knowledge of the Department.”
Key initiatives for the Rochester Fire Department include a staff reorganization that will better reflect the city’s population as well as the types and amount of fire emergencies, an increased focus on emergency medical responses and financial capacity. The Department is also increasing its focus on Emergency Management Planning and continuing its efforts to increase minority representation.
Chief Mitrano is the Chairman of the State of New York Board of Review for the Rochester region and an association life member of the Laurelton Volunteer Fire Department. He is affiliated with the following professional and community organizations: International Association of Fire Chiefs; National Society of Fire Officers; New York State Fire Chiefs Association; New York State Emergency Managers Association; New York State Fire Marshals Association; Monroe County Fire Chiefs Association; Monroe County Fire Advisory Board; Monroe County Local Emergency Planning Committee; Monroe County Office of Emergency Preparedness; and the Monroe County Emergency Management Assistance Team.
Chief Mitrano holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and Associate’s degrees in Fire Protection Technology and Civil Technologies. He was valedictorian of the First Line Supervisors’ Training Program of the New York City Fire Academy.
Chief Mitrano resides in the city, is married and has two children.
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News Media: For more information, contact Communications Director Gary Walker at 428-7405.