The Croton Fire Council signed off on its 2026 leadership slate Monday night, but not before a divided vote over whether to bend training requirements for one nominee — and a firm rejection of another. Deputy Chief Josh Karpoff, chairing the investigative committee, reported that 21 of 24 nominated officers were fully qualified. Two others — Lt. John Gilbert and Capt. Dave Altamura — were approved with substitutions after brief discussion. Gilbert, nominated for Chemical Engine captain, is missing a required class that hasn't been offered at the Westchester County fire training center this year; he completed a UTV operator course at Camp Smith instead. Altamura, an active FDNY firefighter, couldn't obtain documentation from New York City to prove his annual bailout proficiency, despite the department requiring it. The council approved both on a year-by-year basis, though members noted the state labor agency might not consider Altamura's situation compliant. The sharper debate came over Justin Cusano, nominated for Columbia Hook & Ladder's second lieutenant. Cusano, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, lacked current CPR certification, bailout training, NIMS ICS-200, and Fire Officer 1 credentials. He submitted a Marine Corps leadership seminar certificate in lieu of Fire Officer 1 — but bylaws explicitly prohibit substitutions for the NIMS requirement. The committee, while thanking Cusano for his service, could not recommend him. The council voted 6-2-3 to disqualify him, with the suggestion he complete the requirements during 2026 for a possible special election. In other business, Chief Paul Dinkler presented gift cards to the department's top 10 responders, led by Joe Streany with 281 calls. The $300 expense was approved alongside a $43.45 reimbursement for inspection tablecloths. Mayor Brian Pugh announced that the housing lottery for the new apartments at 25 S. Riverside Avenue will take place in November. Village Manager Brian Healy reported that NO PARKING signs will go up on Benedict Boulevard across from Harmon by Monday, and that the EMS building addition behind the Harmon Firehouse is progressing well. Healy also noted the department website must transition from .org to .gov to comply with state requirements. Fire Patrol #1's Breakfast with Santa fundraiser was approved for Sunday, December 14th, from 9 a.m. to noon, pending final village sign-off. The department also accepted a $100 donation from a Batten Road family and dropped 10 members from Hook & Ladder's rolls for inactivity. Residents should note the upcoming Benedict Boulevard parking changes and watch for details on the Riverside Avenue housing lottery next month.