FITCHBURG -- Dozens of Fitchburg Fire Fighters honored three of their members at a recent Fitchburg City Council Meeting as a new full-time member was sworn in; while two firefighters received promotions.
The Department is up to full staffing at 81 Firefighters with the swearing in of Anthony Russo, who will fill the vacant position left by retirement of Capt. Jude Lambert who retired on Oct. 10, 2025.
"Anthony is going to be a great addition to the Fitchburg Fire Department," explained Chief Dante Suarez, adding that his experience as a licensed EMT and work in public safety has made him an "excellent candidate."
In addition, two members of Fitchburg Fire Department were promoted to a higher rank. "As special as it is for the Department, it is even more special for the candidates who have put in so much hard work to get to this point here tonight," Chief Suarez continued.
Firefighter Jay Roy, a ten-year veteran of the Department received a promotion to fire lieutenant. He will continue to serve on Group 2, engine 1, which responds out of Summer Street Station. A lifelong resident of Fitchburg, Roy also serves as vice-chair of Fitchburg Redevelopment Authority.
Robert DaCosta has served on the Fitchburg Fire Department since 2012 and will be promoted to fire captain. He will be working as our dispatch supervisor," explains Chief Suarez, explaining that the new captain has ample "experience and innovative ideas such as bringing forward computer-aided dispatch support into the cabs of the apparatus through a grant that he wrote."
Captain DaCosta, who also has a law enforcement background, also serves as a member of the District 8 Fire Investigation Unit, which includes nearly three dozen cities and towns of North Worcester County. Their duties include: technical rescue, dive rescue, fire investigation, and mutual aid.
"It is always a pleasure and an honor to celebrate members of the Fire Department at these events," says Chief Suarez. "I know all of these firefighters and know they will continue their dedication and service to Fitchburg."