By Sharon E. Siegel
PORT JERVIS, NY – Port Jervis’ Common Council has a few returning councilpersons, but most sworn into their positions on New Year’s Day will be new to their position.
Mayor Dominic Cicalese pledged to work together in a path of progress, harmony and resilience and to hear and value every voice in the community. He and Councilman-at-Large Michael Hockenberry hold the top positions, and both are new to Port's ten-member council. Cicalese, the first new Port Jervis mayor in ten years, follows a decade of service by the city’s 27th mayor, Kelly Decker, who chose not to seek re-election.
During the official New Year’s Day Oath of Office held at the Erie Trackside Manor, Cicalese said he will foster a collaborate mission to find solutions to challenges and build a city of progress together. He said the city must continue to move forward with compassion and understanding.
Cicalese pledged to listen to all ideas and to learn and lead with respect and integrity. As a professional firefighter with Middletown Fire Department and current member and past chief of Port Jervis Fire Department, he said he will always place the well-being of his fellow citizens as his number one precedence. He praised the city’s all-volunteer fire department and their families for the time and dedication given throughout each year.
“I am proud to call Port Jervis home,” Cicalese told those in attendance at the 2024 Swearing in Ceremony. “May our city thrive and our shared ideas bring about prosperity for years to come. Our best days are ahead of us.”
Also speaking at the official Swearing in Ceremony was Judge Robert Onofry, who acted as Master of Ceremonies and conducted several of the Oaths of Office. He along with Judge James Hendry completed dozens of the official oaths during the event.
In personal remarks, Onofry recalled a saying that ‘prosperity comes as a result of those who put more into a community than what they take out’. He noted that many of the dignitaries who serve daily in the county and beyond are from Port Jervis, himself included in those who call the city home. He praised the many leaders and volunteers that devote themselves to bettering their community.
Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus also praised those who serve. He said in a county of 400,000-plus people, Port Jervis has many in important leadership positions. He said he is anxious to see where the change of command in Port’s council will take the city over the next five, ten, and fifteen years.
Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler praised all who stand up, take a risk, and put themselves out there to make a difference in their communities. He advised them to also be willing to accept changing technologies and methods as times change.
Port Jervis Fire department officials sworn in were: Chief Keith Brown, 1st Assistant Chief Anthony Fuller, 2nd Assistant Chief Jeffrey Lewis, Secretary William Werner, Treasurer Rob Waligroski, and Deputy Chiefs James Rohner, Jr,, Jeffrey Rhoades, and Frank Fuller III.
Common Council members sworn in were Mayor Dominic Cicalese, Councilman-at Large Michael Hockenberry, First Ward Council members Colin O’Connell and Jason Vicchiariello, Second Ward Council members Misty Fuller and Maria Mann, Third Ward Council member Jeffrey Rhoades, and Fourth Ward Council members Jacqueline Dennison and Stan Siegel.
The invocation and benediction for the Swearing in Ceremony was provided by Rev. Anthony S. Giacona, who is also Port Jervis Fire Department's Chaplain. Regina Creegan, a 2021 Port Jervis High School graduate and student at Penn State University, followed the Pledge of Allegiance with a beautiful rendition of The National Anthem.
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