NEW JERSEY — Deputy Fire Chief Constance Zapella has made history, once again!
As the first female firefighter to join the Jersey City Fire Department, Zapella became the department’s first female assistant chief, making her the highest-ranking female professional fire officer in New Jersey, the city announced.
Mayor Steven Fulop joined Public Safety Director James Shea, and Fire Chief Steven McGill was on hand to promote four deputy fire chiefs, including Zappella.
“I am no longer the young woman who tried to change a century of outdated tradition. I am now honored and humbled to serve as the highest-ranking professional fire officer in the state and city where I was born and raised,” Zappella said. “The difference between my success and my failure is the network of people I’ve built who have supported me throughout my journey.”
Born and raised in Jersey City, Zappella served as a battalion chief in the Greenville neighborhood, the city said.
As the first female firefighter to join the Jersey City Fire Department, Zappella has been a trailblazer since beginning her career in 2003, the city said. As of today, there are now 17 women in the Jersey City Fire Department, including Zapella’s sister Francesca, who was sworn in two years ago.
Aside from Zapella, the other newly promoted underbosses in the department are: Joseph Altomonte, Loren Hart and Shawn O’Connor.
“As the most diverse city in the nation and the largest municipal fire department in the state, we knew early on that we needed to add more diverse representation to all ranks, which is why I am especially proud to be sworn into Deputy Chief Zappella, as she is a true pioneer and inspiration to our youth in Jersey City and beyond,” said Fulop. “Congratulations to the four new Deputy Chiefs who have worked very hard over the past two decades to support each other and keep our community safe.”
