UPDATE: Veteran FDNY Captain John Ceriello has officially retired after an extraordinary 37 years of dedicated service, marking a significant moment for the fire department and the communities he served. Ceriello, who led a rescue unit in Brooklyn, announced his retirement, stating, “It’s time to pass the torch,” as he steps away from the frontline of firefighting.
At 63 years old, Ceriello remains in exceptional physical shape, but recognizes the demands of his role as he leaves the department. “I’m not what I was five years ago. When you’re a captain of a rescue unit, there is no compromise. You have to go 110%,” he emphasized. His retirement is effective as of Monday, and it symbolizes the end of an era for both him and the FDNY.
Ceriello’s journey in firefighting began in 1981 with the Roslyn Highlands Volunteer Company, where he followed in his father’s footsteps. His appointment to the FDNY came in 1988, a career milestone delivered personally by his father, who expressed his pride and a hint of longing with the words, “I wish it was me.”
Throughout his career, Ceriello has faced the harsh realities of firefighting, including witnessing 48 line-of-duty deaths, excluding the tragic events of 9/11. However, his legacy will be defined by his groundbreaking work in enhancing firefighter safety through the Wind Impacted Fires Project. This initiative has implemented critical safety protocols, including stairwell pressurization and high-rise nozzles, drastically improving the department’s response to wind-related fires.
Thanks to these innovations, officials report that no firefighter has lost their life in a wind-related incident since 2010. Ceriello’s expertise was put to the test during last year’s massive brush fire in Inwood Hill Park, where firefighters battled relentless drought conditions and successfully controlled the blaze that threatened over 4 acres of land.
As he steps back from active duty, Ceriello plans to remain connected to the FDNY community through training and mentorship. “My wife is very relieved,” he said, acknowledging the risks associated with the job. “Every day you leave the house is an unknown.” His commitment to service and community will continue, ensuring that the next generation of firefighters is well-prepared for the challenges ahead.
The retirement of Capt. John Ceriello not only marks the end of an illustrious career but also highlights the ongoing evolution of safety standards within the FDNY. As the department transitions to a new era, Ceriello’s contributions will be felt for years to come.
