Rosandich Sworn In as Oak Creek Fire Chief

Tom Rosandich was formally sworn in as Oak Creek fire chief, becoming the 10th chief in the city's history.

In a short ceremony Thursday afternoon inside the , Rosandich took the oath of office surrounded by his family, Oak Creek firefighters, city officials and others.

Rosandich is a lifelong Oak Creek resident and graduate of who started with the Oak Creek Fire Department in 1977.

"He just came in and wanted to learn and learn and learn," recalled former Fire Chief Jerry Hammernik. "He pushed me to learn everything because I knew I was going to be asked about everything.

"When I was graced with the chief's job, I made probably the smartest decision I ever made -- I selected Tom as assistant chief."

Rosandich recounted the experiences over his 33 years that brought him where he is today -- from watching fire trucks go by his house on Howell Avenue and then driving those trucks himself, to large-scale events such as a fire at the Peter Cooper factory and the crash of Flight 105.

He also thanked his family, including his seven boys, for understanding that his job meant he couldn't be around as much as he wanted.

"It was very clear that Tom is dedicated to Oak Creek, he's dedicated to the fire department and perhaps most importantly dedicated to his family," City Administrator Gerald Peterson said.

"We certainly, on behalf of the employees, like to see our own do well. Tom, you've done very well."

Read more about Rosandich's career .