Photo by RON JEFFERSPaterson Chief of Department Brian J. McDermott has retired after 27-years of service to the community. Chief McDermott received numerous citations for valor, and he earned national recognition for his leadership during the challenging COVID-19 response. He has participated in various initiatives and committees, including the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) and the Fire Terrorism Task Force (FTTF). In addition, he began a program of distributing and installing free fire alarms in city homes, plus securing a $1.4 million grant for the Next Generation 9-1-1- Network.