From left, Margate Fire Department’s Lt. Dave Funk, Deputy Chief Pat Armstrong, Capt. Tony Tabasso and Chief Dan Adams.
MARGATE – “It’s a great day for the City of Margate and our Fire Department,” Commissioner of Public Safety John Amodeo said Thursday, Jan. 16 before a packed crowd gathered at Historic City Hall to see three Margate firefighters promoted to higher ranks. All three officers raised through the ranks to achieve their “well deserved” promotions, Amodeo said.
Fire chiefs from numerous Atlantic County fire departments attended the promotional ceremony along with members of the Margate Fire Department, their families and friends.
Capt. Patrick K. Armstrong was promoted to the rank of deputy chief, Lt. Anthony M. Tabasso to the rank of captain, and Firefighter David D. Funk to the rank of lieutenant.
“How proud we are of the Margate Fire Department and Police Department for what they do for our town, how they service our people and protect us every single day. These men and women that go to work every day to protect us walk into situations which we could ever imagine. They protect us, and our EMTs see things we could never imagine. So, I want to thank you in public safety for what you do for us every day,” Amodeo said.
All three officers have the leadership qualities required to fill the posts and did well on Civil Service placement tests, Amodeo said.
All three firefighters started their firefighting careers as volunteers of the Longport Volunteer Fire Department before transferring to paid positions in Margate and are retired or current members of area beach patrols.
Deputy Chief Pat Armstrong takes the oath of office.
Armstrong has been a firefighter since 1996 at the age of 17 and during his tenure in Margate served as secretary and treasurer of the union. He will serve as the department’s training and safety officer.
Former Fire Chief Anthony Tabasso pins the captain’s shield on his son Tony’s uniform.
Tabasso, who’s father was chief of the Margate Fire Department for many years, started his firefighting career in 1994, and served in Longport and later Margate, where he raised through the ranks. He is retired Longport lifeguard, and will serve as shift supervisor of Platoon 4 and supervise training activities.
Lt. David D. Funk takes the oath of office.
Funk also started in 1994 and is currently treasurer of the union. He has followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, uncle and father. He is currently a captain in the Ventnor Beach Patrol and is a championship rower. He will oversee training activities in Platoon 3.
“On behalf of Tony and Dave it is truly an honor to serve the people of Margate” Armstrong said. “Our department makes it easy for us. The men and women who do this job so graciously and professionally make us look great. Working in one of the finest little fire departments in the country is an honor.”
The vacancies were created with the retirement last year of former Deputy Chief Scott Winneberger.
“It’s a pleasure to be mayor of such a great community. You guys and the entire department make us so proud and so safe. I want to thank you for all you do,” Mayor Michael Becker said.
