Lawrence Cohen of Rockland County Appointed Part-time Fire Chief in Village of Pelham

 

Lawrence M. Cohen, a retired New York City professional firefighter, was appointed to the position of Fire Chief in the Village of Pelham Tuesday night by the Village Board. The vote was unanimous, 6-0 (with one trustee absent).

A resident of Suffern in Rockland County, Mr. Cohen had 15 years experience with the NYFD, including service as a lieutenant during his last year, from 2005-2006, before retirement.

For the past 10 years, he has also operated a firefighting training company, Fire Ground Technologies, which conducts training programs in New York state and in New Jersey.

Village Trustee Greg Breskin, in recommending the appointment, said Mr. Cohen is “extremely well qualified.” Mr. Cohen’s annual salary will be $55,000 for a probationary period of one year, effective Dec. 16.

Before making the appointment, the Village Board adopted by a vote of 4-0 (with two abstentions ) to change a local law to say that “officers” of the Village must be residents of New York State. Previously, the code said residency had to be in the Village of Pelham or Westchester County.

Trustee Breskin said that even though the Board had received legal advice that the Village code applies to “officers” who are appointed to various Village Boards and not to “hirees,” it was recommended that the law be changed. He said a police chief or fire chief, police officer or firefighter is an employee, not an appointee.

When challenged by a resident who objected to the distance a fire chief from Rockland County would have to travel to respond to a Pelham Village fire, Trustee Breskin said that while the Board might prefer to hire someone living close to Pelham, residency was only one of the factors considered in making the appointment. He also praised the expertise of lieutenants and firefighters who would be on duty in such a case.

The two trustees who abstained were Trustee Mia Homan, who said she thought the change was not necessary and Trustee Geoff Lewis who said he preferred a residency defined by geographical radius rather than the entire state.

Fire Chief Cohen succeeds acting Chief Julian Keiser, a lieutenant on the paid force who was temporarily appointed to the position following the resignation of Chief Curtis Taylor effective on Oct. 30. Trustee Breskin commended Lt. Keiser for his service as temporary chief during a period that included a major fire at two garages as well as the Colonial School construction accident. 

This is part of the December 18, 2009 online edition of The Pelham Weekly.