The Croton Fire Council signed off on a full slate of 22 officers for 2026 at its October meeting, but not before a pointed debate over whether to bend certification rules for one nominee — and a firm decision not to do so for another. Deputy Chief Josh Karpoff, chairing the investigative committee, reported that 19 of 22 nominated officers met all bylaw qualifications without issue. Two others — John Gilbert, nominated for Chemical Engine captain, and Dave Altamura, nominated for Chemical Engine first lieutenant — were approved with substitutions after the council determined their alternative training was sufficient. Gilbert was missing a required Class #2 course that hasn't been offered at the Westchester County DES Fire Training Center in 2025; he completed a UTV operator course at Camp Smith instead. Altamura, an active FDNY firefighter, could not obtain documentation from New York City to prove his annual bailout proficiency. The council approved both on a year-by-year basis, though members noted state regulators might not accept Altamura's situation. The more contentious case was Justin Cusano, nominated for Columbia Hook & Ladder's second lieutenant. Cusano lacked current CPR/first aid training, had not completed department bailout training in several years, and had no record of completing NIMS ICS-200 — a course the bylaws explicitly state cannot be substituted. He submitted a U.S. Marine Corps leadership seminar certificate in place of Fire Officer 1 training. The committee, while thanking Cusano for his military service, recommended against qualifying him. A motion to reject the nomination passed 6-2, with three abstentions. Members suggested Cusano complete the requirements during 2026 for possible special election. In other business, Chief P. Dinkler presented gift cards to the department's top 10 responders, led by Joe Streany with 281 calls. The council approved $343.45 in expenses, including the $300 gift card reimbursement and $43.45 for inspection tablecloths. Mayor Brian Pugh announced that the housing lottery for the apartments at 25 S. Riverside Ave will take place in November. Village Manager Brian Healy reported that no-parking signs will go up on Benedict Blvd across from Harmon by next Monday, and that the EMS building construction behind the Harmon Firehouse is progressing well. Healy also noted the department website is being transitioned from .org to .gov to comply with state requirements. Residents should mark their calendars for Fire Patrol #1's Breakfast with Santa fundraiser on Sunday, December 14th, from 9 a.m. to noon, pending final village approval. The department's treasury stands at $19,691.15.