From left, Capt. Anthony Tabasso Jr., Deputy Fire Chief Pat Armstrong, former Fire Chief Anthony “Tony” Tabasso, Fire Chief Dan Adams and newly sworn Firefighter Rocco Tabasso.
By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
MARGATE – The Margate City Fire Department has another Tabasso in the ranks.
On Thursday, April 7, Commissioner of Public Safety John Amodeo administered the firefighter’s oath of office to Rocco Tabasso, the third member of the Tabasso family to serve in the department. His mother Kathy Tabasso held the Bible while her son repeated the oath, swearing to perform to the best of his ability.
Kathy Tabasso holds the Bible as her son Rocco Tabasso takes the firefighter’s oath of office administered by Commissioner of Public Safety John Amodeo.
Rocco is the youngest son of former Fire Chief Anthony Tabasso, who retired in 2018 after 40 years of service, and the younger brother of Capt. Anthony Tabasso Jr., who has been with the departmen since 2004.
“This swearing-in is special because it’s a family affair,” Amodeo said. “It’s a special day for the Tabassos and a special day for the City of Margate.”
Amodeo said Rocco Tabasso did a great job serving in the Recreation Department over the last several years.
Former Chief Tony Tabasso accepts a flag that flew over Margate City Firehouse No. 1 from Chief Dan Adams.
“It’s been an honor and privilege to work alongside the Tabasso family for a number of years,” current Fire Chief Dan Adams said before sharing their history as firefighters in Margate. “It has been almost 44 years to today’s date looking back at when Tony was originally appointed that the Tabasso family has provided and continues to provide public safety services in the Fire Department. They have dedicated their lives to the commitment of providing this service to the residents and visitors of Margate City.”
He presented the eldest Tabasso with an American flag that flew over the Fire Department.
The eldest Tabasso pins a badge on his son Rocco’s uniform.
“To have both sons of mine follow in this noble profession in this good city is truly humbling,” the former chief said. “I’m extremely proud of both of them because I never pushed them to follow. My only hope is that they have as fulfilling a career as I have had here for 40 years.”
Rocco Tabasso started his training on Jan. 3. The family celebrated the milestone at local restaurant after the meeting.
Former Fire Chief Tony Tabasso congratulates his youngest son on joining the Fire Department.
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