First Black Deputy Fire Chief in Paterson, NJ
Deputy Fire Chief Michael Hall
Michael Hall is the first African-American deputy fire chief of Paterson, New Jersey. He was sworn in on January 16, 2024, by Mayor Andre Sayegh, who appointed the first Hispanic fire chief, Alejandro Alicea, last year. Hall has been a firefighter for 23 years, and his first day at the Fire Academy was on September 11, 2001. He said he used 9/11 as an inspiration to serve his community and make a difference. Hall is well respected and liked by his colleagues, who praised his knowledge and dedication to the job. He is also a devoted husband and father, and his family is very proud of his achievement. Hall said he is honored to be a role model for young people, especially in the diverse city of Paterson.
Early life and education
Hall was born and raised in Paterson, where he graduated from Eastside High School. He played football and basketball in high school and was interested in sports and music. He attended William Paterson University and Bloomfield College, where he studied business administration and criminal justice. He said he always wanted to be a firefighter but also considered becoming a lawyer or a teacher.
Career and achievements
After passing the civil service exam, Hall joined the Paterson Fire Department in 2001. He said his first day at the Fire Academy was on September 11, 2001, and he witnessed the attacks on the World Trade Center from a distance. He said he felt mixed emotions, such as fear, anger, sadness, and a sense of duty and pride. He said he used 9/11 as an inspiration to serve his community and make a difference.
Hall rose through the fire department ranks, becoming a fire captain in 2016 and a battalion chief in 2019. He was involved in various incidents and emergencies, such as fires, floods, rescues, and hazmat situations. He said he enjoyed the challenges and rewards of being a firefighter and learned a lot from his mentors and peers. He said he always tried to improve his skills and knowledge and to share his experience with others.
Hall was sworn in as the deputy fire chief of Paterson on January 16, 2024, by Mayor Andre Sayegh, who also appointed the first Hispanic fire chief, Alejandro Alicea, last year. Hall became the first African-American deputy fire chief of Paterson, a city with a population of about 150,000, of which 52% are Hispanic, 32% are Black, and 10% are White. Hall said he was honored and humbled by the appointment and thanked his family, friends, and colleagues for their support. He said he was proud to be a part of the history and diversity of Paterson, and he hoped to inspire young people to pursue their dreams.
Community involvement and personal life
Hall is involved in various community outreach programs, such as mentoring young people, coaching youth sports, and participating in fire prevention education. He said he wanted to give back to the community that raised him and to show the positive side of being a firefighter. He said he also wanted to encourage more people of color to join the fire service and promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Hall is a member of the International Association of Black Professional Firefighters and the Paterson Fire Officers Association. He said he valued the camaraderie and solidarity of his fellow firefighters and appreciated the recognition and respect they received from the public.
Hall is married and has two children, a son and a daughter. He said his family is his biggest motivation and source of joy. He said his wife is his best friend and partner, and his children are his pride and hope. He said his family is very proud of his achievement and supports him in his career. He said he tries to balance his work and family life and to spend quality time with his loved ones.
Hall enjoys sports, music, and reading in his spare time. He said he likes to watch football and basketball and is a fan of the New York Giants and the New York Knicks. He said he also wants to listen to rap and R&B music and is a Jay-Z and Beyoncé fan. He said he likes to read books about history, politics, and leadership and is a fan of Barack Obama and Martin Luther King Jr.