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(2:53 PM) City Appoints Salemme New Fire Chief

Deputy Fire Chief Chet Harvey, left, and Battalion Chief Sam Salemme.

Jamestown Fire Department Battalion Chief Samuel Salemme has been appointed as the new deputy fire chief.

Sam Teresi, Jamestown mayor, made the announcement Thursday that Salemme will be replacing Chet Harvey, who is retiring. Teresi said he selected Salemme from a pool of highly-qualified candidates after receiving input from Harvey, Harry Snellings, Jamestown Police Department chief and city public safety director, and other city administrators.

“I am grateful that I have the opportunity to again promote a consummate professional from within the ranks to spearhead the operations of the Jamestown Fire Department,” Teresi said. “Sam Salemme has spent nearly his entire adult life and professional career as a member of one of the best public safety forces in the country and he knows the operation inside and out. I look forward to working closely with him as we seek to make Jamestown an even better and safer place in which to live, work and raise a family.”

Salemme started his emergency services career at the Chautauqua County Ambulance Service in 1986. He graduated as a paramedic in 1987 from the Western New York EMS School of Paramedicine at Buffalo General Hospital. In 1988, he was employed locally by ALSTAR EMS as a paramedic and Starflight medic. His career with the Jamestown Fire Department began on Feb. 12, 1990. He was promoted to lieutenant on May 28, 2000, and then battalion chief on Aug. 20, 2005.

Salemme responded to New York City on Sept. 24, 2001, with members of the Chautauqua County Fire Service to provide rescue services to members of the FDNY after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. He has been a member of the Chautauqua County Emergency Medical Services Council since 2000 and is currently the chair of the organization. He is the first vice chair of the Chautauqua County Fire Advisory Board, serving since 2010, and has been a member of the Chautauqua County Radio Advisory Board since 2004.

Jamestown Fire Department Battalion Chief Samuel Salemme pictured at the scene of a fire in October 2017. Salemme has been named the new deputy fire chief by Mayor Sam Teresi. P-J file photo

Salemme is a graduate of Jamestown Community College. He lives in the city with his wife, Tracy, and his two sons, Patrick and Ryan.

“I want to thank the mayor for his confidence and selecting me for this role in the administration,” he said. “I’d also like to thank Director of Public Safety Harry Snellings and retiring Deputy Fire Chief Harvey for their support. I look forward to serving the residents of the city of Jamestown to the best of my ability while continuing to provide support to our neighbors and public safety partners around the county. Last, but not least, I want to thank my wife, Tracy, and my sons for their encouragement through this process.”

Harvey, who had served as deputy fire chief since May 15, 2010, began his career in the Jamestown Fire Department Sept. 4, 1984, and was promoted to lieutenant on Sept. 12, 1992, Captain May 16, 1998 and battalion chief May 23, 2004.

“While it’s been an honor to serve the city of Jamestown throughout my career, it’s been especially gratifying to serve as deputy fire chief for the past eight and half years,” Harvey said. “While there were numerous challenges throughout my tenure, we’ve had a great team of professional firefighters to handle whatever may have come out way. I’m honored to have been given the opportunity to lead one of the best professional fire departments you’ll find anywhere. I have full faith in Sam Salemme to carry on the proud tradition of the Jamestown Fire Department.”

Teresi said he wants to congratulate Harvey on his retirement and wishes him well in all of his future endeavors.

“(Harvey) has been a true asset to the Jamestown Fire Department and community at large. While he will be greatly missed as a member of my administration, I look forward to continuing the friendship that we have developed over the years and receiving his continued good advice and counsel.”

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