He joined the New York City Fire Department on July 23, 1958 and worked his way up in the department serving in various leadership positions. Initially he served in the Bronx, but moved to Manhattan after his promotion to lieutenant in 1964.
In 1958, he joined the New York City Fire Department and climbed the ladder within the organization, taking on different leadership positions. He started his career in the Bronx but moved to Manhattan after becoming a lieutenant in 1964.