After 40-years of service, and along with his 65^th birthday, North Hudson Second Battalion Chief Mike Giacumbo retired on June 29^th.  He started his career with the former West New York Fire Department.  

On this June morning, the 500 block of 43^rd St. in Union City, was shut down to traffic for the well-respected chief's retirement walk-out.  The street was filled with firefighters, retired members, family and friends.  

Before his walk-out, Fire Control announced the chief's retirement over the radio.  That announcement included: “...strong leadership under stress full situations.” More recently, that included the Thanksgiving fire with a back draft and collapse (West New York) and a fully involved Jane Street dwelling in Weehawken during an active multiple-alarm fire going in lower Union City. 

Attending the walk-out was Chief Giacumbo's brother, Danny, who also served for 40-years on the job, retiring as a highly respected Second Battalion Chief.  He too started his career with the former WNYFD.  The Second Battalion is the busiest battalion in North Hudson, recording 3127 runs in 2025.  

Their experience and leadership has been past on to current officers and firefighters.  

As part of the walk-out ceremony, the assembly sang “Happy Birthday” in the middle of the city street.      

Retired Captain Frank Martinez said, “I always considered myself lucky that I was able to work with him.  He was an incredible influence in many career!”  

The North Hudson Facebook page read, “Some careers are measured by years. Mike's is measured by the firefighters he mentored, the citizens he protected and the example he set every single day.  He is without question, one of the most respected chiefs our department has ever had!”  

Retired Captain Zack Zellner summed it up.  “He's a giant of a man.”