Schenectady Fire Chief Don Mareno retires

SCHENECTADY, N.Y.(NEWS10) – A bittersweet moment in Schenectady on Tuesday as the city said goodbye to the fire chief. A walk-out ceremony was held to celebrate Don Mareno’s career with the department, which spans more than three decades. 

It was an emotional farewell. Chief Mareno retired after more than 33 years with the Schenectady Fire Department. At the ceremony one thing was clear, his pride in the department.

“Our men and women do tremendous work. They are ordinary people doing extraordinary things,” said Mareno.

Mareno started as a dispatcher. He became a firefighter and moved through the ranks, from lieutenant, to deputy chief, to assistant chief, to fire chief – the position he held for the last three years. 

As he reflected on his time with the department, and his appreciation for Retired Chief Ray Senecal, tears were shed. 

“He set the bar high for me, thanks a lot. It was very difficult to follow in his footsteps,’ said Mareno. “Chief, I did the best I can. You were a tough act to follow.”

Chief Mareno called it a waterfall of emotions. When we caught up with him he said the morning was a blur and he was still processing all the kind words that were said about him.

Mayor Gary McCarthy thanked him and gave him a key to the city. Neighboring fire departments, elected officials and community members all gathered to celebrate the chief. 

His unwavering commitment and dedication to the department was apparent to everyone in the room.

“Not a career. Not a job. It’s a way of life. And it’s been that way since I walked in the door. It hasn’t changed. It’s who I am. It’s what makes this even more difficult,” said Mareno.

He said maintaining good relationships in the community helped the department succeed. Relationships like the one he established with Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara.

“It is a special day. It’s also a sad day as we saw. We saw some tears shed at the podium. Everybody knows Chief Mareno, he’s in the community,” said Santabarbara. 

Santabarbara said Mareno was persistent with one specific request.

“ We worked on securing that critical funding for the new fire truck. He wanted to get that accomplished during his time here. We were able to get that funding secured from the State Assembly and get that project done and the fire truck is on the way,” said Santabarbara.

The department should be receiving that fire truck over the summer. 

Mareno will carry the memories from his time with the fire department for life. But, for now, he will vacation in Arizona and Nevada before heading back home to spend time with family. And then?

“And I’m open to any opportunity that may arise. I’m not going away. My values are the same. I want to be involved in the community. I want to make a difference and we’ll see what comes about,” said Mareno.

“We have a lot more work to do together,” said Santabarbara. “I think the next chapter, whatever that is, will be a community driven chapter for him. He’ll continue to work even though he’s not going to be the chief of the fire department, he’s going to have a role in the community and you will see him around. And I’m looking forward to continue working with him in whatever capacity he chooses.”

Although Mareno is retiring, he’s always in recruitment mode and is eager to get more firefighters in the department, who are just as passionate as he is. He reminds everyone the civil service exam is coming up soon.