Names in the News: December 11, 2022

CONSTANCE ZAPPELLA was named as the first-ever female deputy chief in the 193-year history of the Jersey City (NJ) Fire Department (JCFD). The promotion makes her the highest-ranking female firefighter in the state of New Jersey. Zappella has also served the JCFD as its first-ever female firefighter, hired in 2003; captain, promoted in 2011; and battalion chief, promoted in 2017. She graduated from Saint Peter’s University with a degree in economics and went on to work for Merrill Lynch at the World Trade Center, at which time she passed the firefighting test, leaving behind the corporate world to move into the fire service.

STEVEN DENZIEN was announced as the new chief of the Grand Chute Fire Department (GCFD) in Appleton, Wisconsin, on November 30. He will formally take over command on January 3, 2023. Denzien is currently the chief of the Two Rivers (WI) Fire Department, a position he’s held since 2019. He had previously been a lieutenant with the Brookfield (WI) Fire Department and also served with the Lisbon (WI) Fire Department. Denzien will replace previous GCFD chief Timothy Bantes, who retired in July after serving 15 years in the top spot.

MATTHEW KNOTT was selected to become the new chief of the Green Bay (WI) Metro Fire Department (GBMFD). Knott is a 25-year fire service and law enforcement veteran and the current division chief of the Rockford (IL) Fire Department, the second-largest fire department in the state of Illinois. Knott will replace current GBMFD chief David Litton, who will retire at the end of the year after a 40-year fire service career, the past nine as the department’s chief.

TIM MAMYE was promoted to become the new chief of the Charlottetown (Prince Edward Island, Canada) Fire Department (CFD). Mamye previously served the department as its deputy chief, a position he has held since 2011. He has served as the CFD’s acting chief since March. Before joining the CFD, Mamye was deputy chief of the 12 Wing Shearwater Fire Department in Nova Scotia, where he led a team of over 50 full-time members, providing structural, crash rescue, and emergency medical responses.

MARQUIS SOLOMON was named the new chief of the West Columbia (SC) Fire Department (WCFD). Solomon is a 23-year fire service veteran and most recently served as the WCFD’s deputy chief and public information officer. He is a national registry EMT; a fire officer IV instructor for the South Carolina Fire Academy; and is recognized as a subject matter expert in public safety human resources, risk management, and organizational leadership, among other accomplishments. Solomon also held adjunct professor positions at Benedict College and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College.